A transfer hearing for Brendan Barnes, the 16-year-old charged in the death of a Chattanooga pastor, was delayed Thursday at the request of the teen’s attorney.
Prosecutors from the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office want to try Barnes as an adult, but they’ll have to wait until Jan. 6 to make their case.
Chris Albright, a spokesman for the Hamilton County Juvenile Court, said “discovery issues with evidence” led Barnes’ defense attorney to ask for a few more weeks to prepare.
The severity of the allegations against Barnes allows the court to name him even though he is a minor.
Along with his cousin Antonio Henry, 25, Barnes is charged with first-degree murder and especially aggravated burglary. The two are charged with beating and stabbing the Rev. David Strong on Oct. 5 before stealing his car and debit card.