Boy appeals prison sentence in killing of friend's stepdad imposed at age 12

Published November 20, 2014

An attorney for an Indiana boy who was convicted for helping kill his friend's stepfather says the then-12-year-old didn't get a fair hearing before his case went to adult court.

A judge sentenced Paul Henry Gingerich to 25 years in prison in 2010.

Attorney Monica Foster told the state Court of Appeals on Tuesday that Gingerich clearly wasn't mature enough to be tried as an adult then. She also said the trial court rushed to judgment and the defense didn't have enough time to prepare.

Deputy Attorney General Angela Sanchez says there's no evidence Gingerich was too young for adult court.

She said if Gingerich gets a new hearing and is sent to adult court again, it could mean a longer sentence.

There's no deadline for the court to rule.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/us/boy-appeals-prison-sentence-in-killing-of-friends-stepdad-imposed-at-age-12