The case involved a 15-year-old boy charged following last year’s deadly assault at the Great Frederick Fair.
Frederick, Md (KM) The case of a 15-year-old boy charged in last year’s deadly assault at the Great Frederick Fair will remain in juvenile court. Judge Bill Nicklas issued an opinion Tuesday denying a prosecution request to move the case to adult court
“Our prosecutors, both Rebecca Clinton and Laura Wilt, worked really, really hard on this case. They really did provide a compelling argument for waiver, and he really should be tried as an adult,”. says State’s Attorney Charlie Smith. “However, the judge ruled otherwise. So we’ve got to respect that decision. We’ve got to move forward, continue to seek justice for the Weed family in the juvenile court system. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do while respecting the judge’s decision.”
The 15-year-old boy, and his 16-year-old brother were arrested after assaulting John Weed of Mount Airy on September 20th, 2019, reportedly after asking the victim for a dollar. Weed was medivaced to Shock Trauma, and died the next day.
The 15-year-old is charged with manslaughter, and 1st- and 2nd-degree assault. His 16-year-old brother is charged with two counts of 2nd-degree assault.
Smith said Judge Nicklas did provide a reason in his opinion denying the waiver request, but Smith says he can’t comment on it. . “However, Judge {Julie Stevenson} Solt did rule that this was closed proceeding so we are not able to comment on that written opinion, other than to give you the conclusion which is, unfortunately, that he’s not going to be waived, and that we’re going to have to prosecute him as a juvenile,” says Smith.
He says the Weed family has been notified about Judge Nicklas’ opinion. “They understand the opinion. They’re okay with it. They’ve been a great family. They understand the process. We’ve been communicating with them all along the way,”: says Smith.
The State’s Attorney’s Office also sought a waiver to move the 16-year-old’s case to be tried in adult court, but Judge Solt denied that request.
By Kevin McManus