Teens' ages will play big part at hearing

By JORGE SANCHEZ
Published February 28, 2007

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INVERNESS - The two girls who face kidnapping charges in connection with a videotaped beating made brief appearances in juvenile court Tuesday.

Their fate is affected by their ages. Cases are pending against both girls, ages 13 and 15. But the older one may be tried as an adult, prosecutors announced.

The Citrus Times is withholding the girls' names because of their ages.

In a hearing before Circuit Judge Barbara Gurrola, who handles juvenile cases, the two girls appeared for a brief status conference.

Gurrola stated several times that the girls faced a maximum life sentence if convicted.

Both girls were ordered to remain in custody at a juvenile detention center until their next hearing, set for March 13.

Prosecutor Jeff Smith said that because of the severity of the charges, the 15-year-old girl could be tried as an adult.

He indicated the state might seek to make that change at the March 13 hearing.

The two girls were arrested Feb. 19 after the mother of the victim showed deputies a tape the two took during a sleepover.

The tape shows a brief, one-sided attack involving one of the girls and the 13-year-old victim, during which the victim is slapped in the head several times.

This resulted in a charge of battery, which is a misdemeanor.

The most serious charge, false imprisonment, came after the two girls allegedly locked the bedroom door during the sleepover and wouldn't allow the victim to leave.

Jorge Sanchez can be reached at 352 860-7313 or sanchez@sptimes.com.