By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
TAYLOR – A 13-year-old girl charged with the stabbing death of her 7-year-old sister will be designated as an adult, which means if she is convicted a judge has more sentencing options.
It does not mean that she will be charged as an adult.
On Oct. 3, Judge Sheila Gibson moved to amend the petition in the case to adult designation, which means if she is convicted, the judge has the option of sentencing the respondent as a juvenile, as an adult, or with a blended juvenile sentence, with the option of imposing an adult sentence if the juvenile is not rehabilitated. Information learned during discovery has led to the change in designation.
At 11:15 a.m. Sept. 28, the parents of the two girls left the house, with the 13-year-old babysitting her 7-year-old sister. A verbal argument allegedly ensued, after which the older sister waited in the bathroom for the younger girl to enter, at which time she fatally stabbed her multiple times with a knife. The older girl then called 911.
The 13-year-old girl is charged with first degree premeditated murder, felony murder and first-degree child abuse. She is being held at the Lincoln Hall of Justice.
An Oct. 8 bond hearing has been scheduled.