BOLIVAR, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri judge has ruled that a 15-year-old boy can be charged as an adult in the shooting death of his half-sister, who before she died allegedly told authorities the teen had shot her.
A Polk County judge ruled Wednesday that the March 24 death of 12-year-old Sierra Elliott met the criteria to move the case from juvenile to adult court. Levi Elliott then was charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and tampering with a motor vehicle.
Levi Elliott was jailed Thursday in Polk County on $250,000 bond. Court records did not list an attorney for him.
The shooting happened while Sierra and her brother were alone in their home west of Bolivar. A probable-cause statement from the Polk County Sheriff's Office said Sierra talked about what happened during the short time she was responsive before her death.
The Springfield News-Leader (http://sgfnow.co/MDw02M) reported that the boy left in his father's truck after the shooting. The Elliotts said they believed Levi Elliott would be headed to Kansas City to reach his biological mother.
Video surveillance from the night of the shooting shows Levi Elliott walk into a Walmart store in Clinton, which is about halfway between Kansas City and Bolivar, and exit with an older couple, according to the probable cause statement.
He was taken into custody early the next morning after going to the Kansas City Police Department with his biological mother.
A small-caliber bullet was recovered from Sierra's head and was consistent with the bullets located inside the residence, according to the probable cause statement. The Elliotts reported that Levi Elliott had access to bullets and firearms inside the residence.