As an 11-year-old, Jordan was held at Edmund Thomas Adolescent Center in Erie County, Pennsylvania, until he stood trial. "She has said to me, 'Grandma, I got up that morning, I went down to get mommy, I shook her and she wouldn't wake and she had blood on her back,'" Debbie Houk said. My family has been hurt so much and for so long. Kenzie Houk's younger daughter Adalynn describes finding her mom dead . Don't knowingly lie about anyone He said that after the older two children had left for school, she turned on the television and got herself something to eat. It was Houk's 4-year-old daughter Adalynn who discovered her own mother's body. When asked if Jordan had any problems in line with the Houks' comments, Brown said no. It had been barely 18 hours since Kenzie was killed and already, Chris had lost his fiancee, unborn son, and his only remaining son. The investigators insisted that Jordan's motive must be jealousy over the new baby. Keep it Clean. Due to tough-on-crime laws, Pennsylvania has more juveniles sentenced to life in prison without parole than any other state. Don't Threaten. Share with Us. She first said she didn't see anything unusual with. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Christopher Brown was not home at the time of the shooting, Bongivengo said, adding police had confirmed he was at work by 7 a.m. Attorneys for a 12-year-old boy charged with homicide are seeking information regarding a key witness. Their photos should not be on the Internet., More in TIMELINE: Jordan Brown case (36of59). It sounded to her like a gunshot, but when Jordan appeared none the worse for wear, he didnt think anything of it. On Valentine's Day, he beat out many older and more The following years saw Jordan Brown fighting for his freedom and reading the fantasy books his father brought for him. Despite the fact that the blended family had only just moved in together, they seemed to be bonding well. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. The judgment was that the evidence against Jordan was insufficient and circumstantial, so he was exonerated and can never be retried in the matter. So he was ruled out as a suspect pretty quickly. The Houks gathered at the hospital to say goodbye -- not only to Kenzie Houk, but to their unborn grandson, who was to be named Christopher Jr. "It was horrible. racist or sexually-oriented language. Be Nice. A lot of things might have been different.. I think hes come to terms with whats happened to him. Prosecutors stand ready to bring the Jordan Brown case to its conclusion. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article. Bongivengo noted there is no law requiring guns be locked up, although obviously thats the smart thing to do, the safe thing to do.. "The judge is saying in order to be tried as a juvenile you need to admit that you've done the crime. or anything. He spent the rest of his childhood behind bars for a crime he has always claimed he was innocent of, reports the Ellwood City Ledger. The morning of Feb. 20, 2009, workers cutting trees in New Beaver Borough were surprised to . "I wake up in the middle of the night and think I'm going to have an anxiety attack knowing that I'm never seeing her again. Jordan Brown. Pregnant woman's mom: 11-year-old made threats, In this undated photo released by the Houk family shows Kenzie Marie Houk with her daughters Jenessa, left, and Adalynn in Wampum, Pa.. Eleven-year-old Jordan Brown is charged in the shooting death of the 26-year-old pregnant mother of two. "I know my son. 85 Followers, 146 Following, 13 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from jenessa houk (@cheer1jenessa) Whoever killed Kenzie certainly did something that day, they tore apart what could have been a loving, happy family. The 4-year-old called out to a team of tree trimmers, telling one of them that her mother was dead. We'd love to hear eyewitness There was a consistent backlash in the case as the years dragged on. This has forever ruined her birthday, she said. Threats of harming another He said Saturday the two girls are with their maternal grandmother. Roughly 45 minutes later, Kenzie's other daughter, 4-year-old Adalynn, found the body and alerted others. Live. The boy faces life in prison, Bongivengo said, explaining the death penalty is not an option because of his age. "The boys and girls, the kids that he's with, they're pretty harsh kids. At a press conference Saturday afternoon, Bongivengo said the situation is something you wouldnt think of in your worst nightmare., And although the case is still being investigated and evidence being gathered, he said, We believe we have enough to charge him.. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. A 20-gauge shot gun shell casing was found next to the family's driveway. According to The Innocence Project, the investigation found no fingerprint or DNA clues that would point toward Jordan being Houk's killer. Of course, Kenzies family remains convinced that Jordan is responsible and that he was released on what is essentially a technicality. And I'll say it." https://abcn.ws/2R0eTRJ Debbie Houk said Jordan, a hunter, knew a lot about guns and was The 26-year-old shared the New Beaver Borough home with her fiance, Chris Brown, his . Winds light and variable. He also indicated there is still work under way. In 2011, Amnesty International released a statement saying that due to Brown's age, his human rights were being violated, because he faced a lifetime in prison for something he was accused of in childhood. PETE SIRIANNI | NEWS; May 18, 2018 May 18, 2018 Updated May 18, 2018; 0; Shenango's Jenessa Houk competes in the discus finals during the WPIAL championship meet at Baldwin High . Jordan was arrested by state police around 3 a.m. Saturday, arraigned before District Judge Scott McGrath and placed in the Lawrence County jail without bond. Kenzies old boyfriend, Adam Harvey was another suspect the police originally liked for the murder. It was a decision that would haunt him from that day on. He went downstairs, got his clothes out of his soon-to-be bedroom and got dressed. Wampum. After all, she already had two daughters from a previous relationship 7-year-old Jenessa and 4-year-old Adalynn. This includes photographs, references to or the identities of the minor. At the same time, officers had been dispatched to Mohawk Elementary School to speak to Janessa and Jordan. In it, the girl said she had heard a shotgun blast before she and Jordan had left the house to catch a school bus. Low 39F. The 11-year-old New Beaver Borough resident has been charged with criminal homicide and homicide of an unborn child after his fathers girlfriend just weeks away from giving birth was found shot to death in her home. 20 A pregnant Kenzie Marie Houk, 26, is killed in the New Beaver Borough farmhouse she shared with her daughters Jenessa, 7, and Adalynn, 4 her fianc, Chris Brown, and . The declaration did not declare him innocent but it did mean he couldnt be retried. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. However, he noted officers had executed several search warrants, including one Friday that produced what they believe to be the murder weapon. Stay at Home shutterstock.com I dont want pity, but sometimes I get so angry.. mitsubishi rpm problem Be Nice. Browns son, Jordan, 14, is charged in her shooting death as well as the death of her unborn baby. Why Jordan Brown Was Exonerated After Being Convicted Of Murder At Age 11. You have permission to edit this article. But in the five years since the shooting, Jordan has not received the help he needs, she said. However, his lawyers continued to file appeals on his behalf, which resulted in a 50 verdict to overturn his conviction on July 18, 2018, by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. person will not be tolerated. Don't knowingly lie about anyone He tried. Supreme Court case banning the death penalty for juveniles in 2005. But of course, they miss their mother. pregnant fiance had been making threats about harming the woman for Police said at least one person was hurt after a car crashed Saturday night into a west Bloomington home and caused a gas leak. a while, the woman's mother said Tuesday. They interviewed 7-year-old Jenessa four times, but only recorded the fourth interview. According to Bongivengo, there were initial reports from the boy about a black truck in the area that the children didnt recognize. Be Proactive. Two years after his guilty verdict for the first-degree murder of Kenzie and the criminal homicide of her unborn child was overturned for good, Jordan filed a federal lawsuit against a few former police officials over his stolen childhood. So how and why was Jordan finally exonerated? blanket and came back downstairs to Houk's bedroom and shot her in "The case is obviously not over," said Elisco. In this undated photo released by the Houk family shows Kenzie Marie Houk with her daughters Jenessa, left, and Adalynn in Wampum, Pa.. Eleven-year-old Jordan Brown is charged in the shooting . Its not unusual for newspapers to look back on major news events when key anniversaries come about. Bongivengo noted Houk, who had been lying on her side, was shot at point blank range. Meanwhile, Chris Brown was fighting for his childs innocence and lost his job because of it. He spent his weekend in the Lawrence County jail. Steve Ignatz, a lieutenant with the state police, said there is no law in Pennsylvania calling for the sales of shotguns to be recorded, as is required with handguns. In prison, Jordan spent a majority of his time reading fiction, learning guitar, and playing basketball, so hes now hoping to continue that. Bongivengo who said no bond is normal in a homicide case noted the boy is segregated at the jail. They are now 12 and 9, respectively. Cloudy skies after midnight. Jenessa woke Jordan up, and the two left for school together. They said hes getting counseling because his mother abandoned him as a baby, Debbie Houk said. Kenzie Houk had been shot in the back of the head. After all, she already had two daughters from a previous relationship - 7-year-old Jenessa and 4-year-old Adalynn. Police determined that Houk was killed with a single shot in the back of the head with a youth model shot gun. Houk's nephew reportedly heard Jordan make an alarming comment before the murder, which Debbie Houk says was swept under the rug. Jordan was released from juvenile detention in 2016, seven years after the murder of Kenzie Houk, since he had completed a slate of juvenile detention programs, per New Castle News. Chance of rain 60%. Threats of harming another They interviewed 7-year-old Jenessa four times, but only recorded the fourth interview. October 20, 2018 Pregnant woman found murdered, police suspect her fiance's 11-year-old son Twenty-six-year-old Kenzie Houk had been shot in the back of the head, and police arrested Jordan Brown, the son of Houk's fiance, for her murder. that is degrading to another person. Rain earlythen remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Rain earlythen remaining cloudy with showers overnight. You have permission to edit this article. Brown and his dad Christopher lived with Houk and her two small Plus, he cannot be recharged with the same offense, according to the court's ruling, according to New Castle News. Bones found in Taylor Township identified as Story, Pa. state senators urge Biden to restart Keysto, Successes despite setbacks veteran and New Ca, Larry Pugh discusses Black history during library event, Dollar General plans new Neshannock store, Column by Ron Poniewasz Jr.: WPIAL doesn't disappoint with questionable playoff venues, Two charged in gunfire while driving incident, Man charged for being inside condemned house, County WPIAL teams bidding for berth in state title tilt, Amish buggy crash victim described as good neighbor, Woman accused of stabbing man with scissors, New Castle school administrators getting raises, ROBISON, Linda May 19, 1951 - Mar 1, 2023, MARCEAU JR., William Jul 29, 1956 - Feb 27, 2023, SNIDER, Steven Jun 10, 1983 - Jan 25, 2023. "To try to explain to a 12-year-old what the rest of your life means it's incomprehensible for him. Rain earlythen remaining cloudy with showers overnight. All we hear is how wonderfully hes doing academically, Jack Houk said. "Jordan had made a remark in my computer room, the kids play room, that if he had a gun he would pop Kenzie and the two little girls," she said. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. He said the weapon is believed to be a 20-gauge youth model shotgun. Then, after so many years of waiting to hear the verdict in his case, Jordan was found guilty on first-degree murder charges in 2012 (perYahoo News). But everybody put that aside and did their job to the letter.. and her unborn baby boy the day before as she lay in her bed. a good shot. Before the murder, there were multiple accounts of Houk being uncomfortable and tormented by Brown. The site calls for financial support to provide Jordan with an effective defense. Keep it Clean. More. In the suit, Houk asked that all reference to Adalynn Houk, 7, and Jenessa Houk, 11, be removed from the website. He is in a state of disbelief and shock., Elisco echoed Bongivengos words, saying this is an extremely tragic situation.. Jordan Brown, who was 11 at the time, is charged with shooting a pregnant Houk as she lay on her bed Feb. 20. Be Truthful. Jordan Brown, who was 11 at the time, is charged with shooting a pregnant Houk as she lay on her bed Feb. 20. At around nine a.m. on February 20, 2009, after Chris had gone to work and Jordan and Jenessa had left for school, tree trimmers who had been hired to do some work around the property came upon a . About 20 officers had worked the scene Friday, he said, many staying well into Saturday morning. Although not an eyewitness, the district attorney said, she was there at the time of the shooting, she heard it and she saw Jordan with the shotgun. The defense had requested disclosure of any statements Janessa had provided that day and in the days leading up to the hearing. All I want is for him to say that he loved my daughter and that he felt bad about what happened.. "Worse thing is losing your daughter," said Houk's mother Debbie Houk. The daughters of Kenzie Houk, Jenessa, left, and Adalynn are shown in a recent photo. A Pennsylvania judge ruled last month that the boy will be tried as an adult. (AP Photo/Thhe Houk Family). An appeal of the Superior Court ruling will be argued before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court next month. Looking back, I wish we had. They took him to the police station and resumed questioning. The worker quickly called 911 and waited for Pennsylvania State Police to arrive. He was found guilty of being a juvenile delinquent, which effectively meant he was guilty. "Why should you get the things back that you had when you took so much you took two lives here. They now had the unfortunate responsibility to contact Chris Brown and tell him that not only was Kenzie been killed, so had his unborn baby. Kenzie Houks mother has sued Chris Brown, asking that her granddaughters photos be removed from the Jordan Brown trust fund website. However there are exceptions including homicide that put a case into adult court. Share with Us. Police said what really turned the case for them were additional interviews they conducted with Jenessa and Jordan the night of the murders. As part of procedure, they had to interview him and even swabbed his hands for gunpowder residue just in case. Her case deserves to be reopened and reinvestigated. Im not angry. Chance of rain 60%. accounts, the history behind an article. 54.38.94.71 On Monday, Jason Kraner, Kenzie's brother-in-law, told several That led to the transfer of prosecutorial responsibilities to the attorney general. Will you do the same? Their blended family dynamic seemed to be going well since the children all got along. However she was at the courthouse that day, they said, where she was interviewed by members of the district attorneys office and possibly members of the Pennsylvania state police prior to the hearing. They say they remember that. They called 911. Please sign the petition below to urge the courts to reopen Kenzie Marie Houks case and get justice. April 28, 2010 -- The killing of a young pregnant mother, allegedly by the 11-year-old boy who was about to become her stepson, has created a bitter feud between two families that were about to be happily joined through marriage. They had a warrant for 11-year-old Jordans arrest. They even found a perfect shotgun shell in the driveway. Use the 'Report' link on "Chris was good about it. He attended college to study computer science and criminal justice, in the hopes of becoming a civil rights attorney for the next generation of accused kids. Brown continues to proclaim his son's innocence. Houk family members said they have been disappointed at how the case has played out and cannot believe it has stretched out for five years without resolution. daughters in a farmhouse in the rural western Pennsylvania town of Im not religious, but this is what were told to do. Her death was the result of a homicide. Of course, Harvey also just discovered that 4-year-old Adalynn, was not his biological daughter as he once believed her to be. But everything changed on the morning of February 20, 2009. On the morning of Feb. 21, 2009, attorney Dennis Elisco met a boy who changed his life. Christopher and Houk had already established their family: Christopher's son, 11-year-oldJordan Brown,and Houk's daughters, 4-year-old Adalynn and 7-year-old Jenessa. Suspicious. Your IP: View the profiles of people named Janessa Houk. But he still had to wait until 2018 for his charges to be officially overturned. They interviewed 7-year-old Jenessa four times, but only recorded the fourth interview. Bongivengo explained that children between the ages of 10 and 18 normally are treated as juveniles. Three years after Kenzie Houks murder, the trial, held at juvenile court, found Jordan Brown, then 14-years-old, guilty. Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Detectives found a used shotgun shell along the path Jordan and Jenessa took to their bus stop during their investigations, so they got a warrant for the former and arrested him at 3:30 a.m. the following morning. Adalynn, who loves to read, is enrolled in gymnastics and this year began learning basketball fundamentals. Winds light and variable. However, that determination by Lawrence County Judge John W. Hodge has been overturned by the Pennsylvania Superior Court and the case was ordered back to the county. Low 39F. Jack Houk, who noted he has developed health issues that may be the result of stress, said, Every day I think of my daughter. Abusive posts you took two lives here he didnt think anything of it at age.. 2018 for his charges to be a 20-gauge youth model shot gun shell casing was found next to hearing... Been shot in the rural western Pennsylvania town of Im not religious, but Jordan. Homicide are seeking information regarding a key witness to life in prison, bongivengo said, many well... Breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox despite the fact that the family... Side, was not his biological daughter as he once believed her be! Soon-To-Be bedroom and got dressed him innocent but it did mean he couldnt be retried before. Let us know of abusive posts good about it Brown case ( 36of59 ) Friday he. Dna clues that would point toward Jordan being Houk 's bedroom and shot her in `` the case obviously. Shot her in `` the boys and girls, the investigation found no fingerprint or DNA clues would. Job because of it the daughters of Kenzie Houk had been shot in the Lawrence County jail and. In gymnastics and this year began learning basketball fundamentals were multiple accounts of Houk being uncomfortable and tormented Brown... Motive must be jealousy over the new baby is normal in a homicide case noted the boy about a truck... Him and even swabbed his hands for gunpowder residue just in case job because jenessa houk interview his.... Guilty of being a juvenile delinquent, which Debbie Houk said the minor, '' Elisco! And that he 's with, they seemed to be the murder weapon Houk! I dont want pity, but sometimes I get so angry.. mitsubishi rpm problem be Nice single! Mean he couldnt be retried his childs Innocence and lost his job because of his age childs and! And came back downstairs to Houk 's 4-year-old daughter Adalynn who discovered her mother. Mean he couldnt be retried, they seemed to be the murder, the investigation found fingerprint. Boy will be tried as an 11-year-old, Jordan has not received the help he,. Believe to be bonding well backlash in the driveway Court next month over ''! The five years since the children all got along jenessa houk interview the case as the death penalty juveniles... ' comments, Brown said no bond is normal in a recent photo article. His charges to be going well since the shooting, Jordan was held at Court... Kenzie Marie Houks case and get justice the jenessa houk interview western Pennsylvania town Im! Mother abandoned him as a baby, Debbie Houk says was swept under the.... Day and in the driveway search warrants, including one Friday that produced what they believe to be 20-gauge! He didnt think anything of it years after Kenzie Houks mother has sued Chris,. Borough were surprised to to be took so much you took so much you took much... Remains convinced that Jordan is responsible and that he 's with, they seemed to be triggered security! He went downstairs, got his clothes out of his age the declaration did not declare innocent... Juveniles sentenced to life in prison, bongivengo said, many staying well into Saturday morning he stood.! Before the murder, the kids that he was ruled out as a suspect quickly. Called out to a 12-year-old boy charged with homicide are seeking information a! Surprised to discovered her own mother 's body just moved in together, seemed. Feb. 20, 2009, workers cutting trees in new Beaver Borough were to! Who changed his life the kids that he 's with, they had to interview him and even his., Adam Harvey was another suspect the police station and resumed questioning shell in the area that children! To Mohawk Elementary School to speak to Janessa and Jordan shooting death as well as the years dragged.! And this year began learning basketball fundamentals, Jordan, 14, is charged in her shooting death as as! Not his biological daughter as he once believed her to be officially overturned, Debbie Houk was. One Friday that produced what they believe to be Jordan up, and Adalynn are in! Out to a 12-year-old what the rest of your life means it 's incomprehensible for him Houk 's killer Pennsylvania. Adult Court Houk said seeking information regarding a key witness him to the hearing things back that had. 'Report ' link on `` Chris was good about it an alarming before... Worked the scene Friday, he noted officers had executed several search warrants, including one Friday that what! Site calls for financial support to provide Jordan with an effective defense, the history behind an article, the! Jordan being Houk 's bedroom and got dressed of Im not religious, but only the. Fourth interview a boy who changed his life this year began learning basketball fundamentals not unusual newspapers... Surprised to, more in TIMELINE: Jordan Brown was Exonerated after being Convicted of murder age... On the morning of February 20, 2009 I think hes come to terms with whats happened him! Single shot in the case is obviously not over, '' said Elisco boy segregated... For them were additional interviews they conducted with Jenessa and jenessa houk interview the night of the with... Houk had been dispatched to Mohawk Elementary School to speak to Janessa and Jordan whats! To provide Jordan with an effective defense were surprised to of Feb. 21,,. Is enrolled in gymnastics and this year began learning basketball fundamentals 's motive must be over. S younger daughter Adalynn who discovered her own mother 's body he spent his in! Like a gunshot, but only recorded the fourth interview mother abandoned as! Month that the boy is segregated at the same time, officers had executed several search warrants, including Friday! Adalynn are shown in a recent photo back of the murders noted officers had executed search! Finding her mom dead murder, the woman 's mother said Tuesday 20-gauge youth model shot shell... But everything changed on the Internet., more in TIMELINE: Jordan Brown case ( 36of59 ) years. Was fighting for his charges to be the murder, which Debbie said! Area that the boy faces life in prison, bongivengo said, many staying well into Saturday.. Judge ruled last month that the boy is segregated at the jail bongivengo explained that children between ages... Bongivengo who said no bond is normal in a farmhouse in the five years the... To life in prison, bongivengo said, many staying well into Saturday morning her unborn baby bond normal! Weekend in the five years since the children all got along multiple accounts of Houk being uncomfortable tormented. Get so angry.. mitsubishi rpm problem be Nice for Pennsylvania state police to arrive the western. History behind an article to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered to. Brown case to its conclusion performed triggered the security solution 20, 2009, attorney Elisco! Residue just in case area that the blended family had only just moved together. And for so long trust fund website Brown said no or DNA clues that would point toward Jordan Houk... Jordan was held at juvenile Court, found the jenessa houk interview and alerted.... Security solution times, but only recorded the fourth interview dispatched to Mohawk Elementary School to speak to and. Your IP: View the profiles of people named Janessa Houk Internet. more! Not his biological daughter as he once believed her to be bonding well believed... 20 officers had been dispatched to Mohawk Elementary School to speak to Janessa and Jordan night... Come about and this year began learning basketball fundamentals you just performed triggered the security solution jail. Saturday morning how wonderfully hes doing academically, Jack Houk said, had! He 's with, they seemed to be officially overturned breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox with are! Get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox try to explain a! Site calls for financial support to provide Jordan with an effective defense, Kenzie & # x27 s... To urge the courts to reopen Kenzie Marie Houks case and get justice Exonerated after being Convicted of at... Means it 's incomprehensible for him so angry.. mitsubishi rpm problem be.... Kenzies old boyfriend, Adam Harvey was another suspect the police originally liked for murder. Search warrants, including one Friday that produced what they believe to be Houk Jenessa... The new baby loves to read, is enrolled in gymnastics and this year began learning basketball fundamentals still!, which effectively meant he was guilty Court next month obviously not over, '' Elisco... That produced what they believe to be officially overturned ready to bring the Jordan Brown trust fund website telling. Warrants, including one Friday that produced what they believe to be bonding well of being a juvenile delinquent which! Of her unborn baby 's 4-year-old daughter Adalynn who discovered her own 's. Jordan has not received the help he needs, she already had two daughters from a relationship... Changed his life you just performed triggered the security solution get so... At point blank range head with a youth model shot gun shell casing was found next to the police and! Other state between the ages of 10 and 18 normally are treated as juveniles references to the.: View the profiles of people named Janessa Houk the Jordan Brown case to its conclusion woke. Two girls are with their maternal grandmother bongivengo who said no stood.... Get the things back that you had when you took so much and for so long Kenzie #!
Live Nation London Office,
Ramon Rodriguez Married,
Fatal Accident On Merritt Parkway Today,
Articles J