CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI (WSAU) — It’s now up to the judge to decide if the teenager accused of killing Lily Peters in the spring of 2022 will be tried as an adult.
Two and a half days of hearings have wrapped up in a Chippewa Falls courtroom, with both the prosecution and defense wrapping up their arguments by Wednesday afternoon. The proceedings included numerous witness interviews and pieces of evidence, including some photos that have been tossed out of the record and others that have been sealed for further consideration.
The boy’s defense team has tried to argue that the suspect, known by the initials CPB, may have an autism spectrum disorder which could impact his ability to comprehend the consequences of his actions. Prosecutors have pointed to the violent way that Peters was killed, saying a move to juvenile court would diminish that.
Court records show it’s now up to Judge Steven Gibbs to issue a written decision. That will likely come in early 2024, with both sides submitting additional briefs by November 17th. Responses to those briefs will be due by December 8th.
Should the case remain in adult court the boy’s name will be unsealed. He’s been officially identified by his initials because of the petition to move the case to juvenile court, where his name would not be made public at all.
Peters was killed in April of 2022 as she was riding her bike home from her aunt’s house. Her parents reported her missing when she didn’t arrive.
CPB faces a mandatory life sentence with only the possibility of parole to be discussed if he’s found guilty in adult court. The opportunity for parole may be issued at the judge’s discretion after 20 a minimum of 20 years.
Comments