A Utah teen accused of attacking an elderly woman who was practicing the organ alone in a locked chapel has never been in trouble with the law before. But he could face serious penalties, after prosecutors filed a petition in juvenile court accusing him of aggravated burglary, aggravated assault and criminal mischief.
The 17-year-old boy was charged earlier this month with the crimes, though the charging documents were initially private after the teen’s defense attorney requested that the entire case to be kept secret.
Attorneys representing Utah media argued against that Friday morning, saying a blanket closure was inappropriate and juvenile courtrooms are presumed to be open if the youth is over the age of 14 and charged with what would be a felony-level offense in adult court.