DeKalb County teen charged with murder is ordered held until trial

A 14-year-old DeKalb County, Ala., boy who's been charged with murder in connection with the Tuesday shooting death of Kelena Annette Hicks, 38, of Mount Vernon, has made his first court appearance.

Deputy District Attorney Bob Johnston relayed information about the events surrounding the death of Hicks to District Judge Steve Whitmire, according to DeKalb County Sheriff Jimmy Harris. Robert Ray was appointed to represent the teen, who has now been officially charged, and Matt Green will serve as his guardian.

Judge Whitmire ruled that there was probable cause to keep the suspect under detention, and the State of Alabama filed a motion for an order that would certify the juvenile as an adult for the trial.

A report for the court to use in making that judgment will now be prepared by the Juvenile Probation office, and that hearing will take place sometime after the beginning of August.

The suspect is being held in Anniston, where he will stay until his hearing.

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