JENNINGS, Mo. — Police arrested a 15-year-old on Wednesday they suspect is responsible for stabbing and killing a 14-year-old earlier in March.
The St. Louis County Police Department said the juvenile is being held at the county's family court on a second-degree murder charge. The department didn't release any further details on the arrest.
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The 15-year-old is suspected of stabbing Justin Brooks at about 3 p.m. on March 12 in the 2400 block of Hord Avenue.
Monica Green, the mother of 14-year-old Justin Brooks, gathered with dozens of family and friends Tuesday evening for a balloon release to honor the teen. That same evening, police said they took the 15-year-old boy into custody in Jefferson City, two hours from the City of Jennings.
It's unclear why the suspect was almost 2 hours away and how long he had been there. Police said it's a part of the investigation.
The stabbing happened as retaliation for another fight that took place the day before, neighbors at the scene told 5 On Your Side. Dozens of teens were seen watching the stabbing in videos circulating online.
Criminal justice attorney Herman Jimerson represents juveniles and adults. He said the difference in the juvenile system is that it's for treatment, and the adult system is set up for punishment.
Juveniles have a pre-trial conference, then a family court judge has the sole decision to have the juvenile tried as an adult or not.
"In the juvenile system, if he's not certified, he can go to a juvenile residence or facility up to the age of 18, " Jimerson said.
In special circumstances, the 15-year-old suspect could be held until the age of 21, Jimmerson said. The chances of the case being elevated are likely.
"Maybe a battering of someone may not get certified but a murder of someone probably will get certified," he said. "I'm not a prognosticator, but the judge is going to do is they look at the nature of crime and look at what other aspects to it. If the judge is kind of standard, that child will get certified as an adult and let the adult system deal with it."
There's a possibility that more than one suspect is involved in the crime, if police determine any of the other teens aided and abetted in the fight.
St. Louis County Courts told 5 On Your Side that a pre-trial conference has not been set for the 15-year-old as of Wednesday evening.
A GoFundMe for Justin has been started. It has raised more than $6,000 for his funeral costs.
This is a developing story. This article will be updated with the latest information as it is released.
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