jenessa houk interview

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. Jordans conviction was eventually overturned due to insufficient evidence. Jordan Brown talks about the confusion he felt for years following his detention in a juvenile delinquency facility for the death of 26-year-old Kenzie Marie Houk, in an interview with Juju. And the murder weapon appeared to be Jordan Brown's child-sized gun. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. For now, it's a life interrupted for Jordan, as his lawyers begin the process of appealing the judge's decision. Their photos should not be on the Internet., More in TIMELINE: Jordan Brown case (36of59). Explore. Before leaving office this week, John Bongivengo, the former district attorney, opposed the motion. Boy charged with committing murder at age 11 to be tried as an adult. Its a hard day for us. daughters in a farmhouse in the rural western Pennsylvania town of Not long after theyd begun working, one of the tree trimmers noticed 4-year-old Adalynn standing in the doorway and crying that her mother was dead. He didnt realize the gravity of what was happening to him until he was incarcerated for three to five years. But now, Jordan is trying to move on and not let the past bother him. 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 . Police determined that Houk was killed with a single shot in the back of the head with a youth model shot gun. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. (AP Photo/Thhe Houk Family). Ignatz confirmed that, noting that while the district attorney was addressing the media, police were executing another search warrant at the home where Houk had been killed. Use the 'Report' link on Jenessa is a cheerleader for football and basketball and plays basketball on an AAU traveling team. Police said they found a spent shotgun shell in the same spot. Kenzies death had been caused by a single gunshot wound to the back of the head, possibly by a 20-gauge shotgun.The Brown household held a number of handguns, rifles, shotguns, including a 20-gauge one, and several rounds of ammunition. Don't Threaten. We Based on the blood, it appeared as though she might have hemorrhaged somehow and sadly had died because of it. "Why should you get the things back that you had when you took so much you took two lives here. They still believe that he should receive the maximum punishment and even that he should be tried as an adult. Jordan Brown was charged as an adult Saturday with killing Houk Thats the same day Lawrence County President Judge Dominick Motto is scheduled to conduct a hearing on whether or not Jordan should continue to be treated as an adult. Low 39F. Jordan lived at the Edmund L. Thomas Adolescent Detention Center for three years before his trial, and was later moved to other facilities. The young man wasnt just a suspect in his step-mothers murder, he was the prime suspect. Share with Us. At around 3:30 am, Chris awoke to the police pounding on his door. In prison, he taught himself guitar and how to play basketball, but it was still a prison. Kenzie in the head and pop both kids. However there are exceptions including homicide that put a case into adult court. Plus, he cannot be recharged with the same offense, according to the court's ruling, according to New Castle News. He maintained his innocence the whole time and never changed his story. mitsubishi rpm problem So he was ruled out as a suspect pretty quickly. He has just been subjected to some awful things in the past 13 months.". Cloudy skies after midnight. But when a tree-service crew showed up at the house at 9, one of the workers observed Houk's 4-year-old daughter crying at the door that her mother was dead. I am seeking justice for Kenzie Marie Houk, her unborn son, Christopher, and their loved ones. He is in a state of disbelief and shock., Elisco echoed Bongivengos words, saying this is an extremely tragic situation.. Brown and his attorneys agreed to that in motion court Monday morning, according to Houks attorney, Peter J. Pietrandrea of Cranberry. lot when his Dad wasn't around.". Kenzies old boyfriend, Adam Harvey was another suspect the police originally liked for the murder. or anything. Its a shame that hes received no help whatsoever.. Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. Roughly 45 minutes later, Kenzie's other daughter, 4-year-old Adalynn, found the body and alerted others. The decision was the biggest setback yet for the Brown family. Debbie Houk said she will still observe Adalynns birthday with cupcakes, but there wont be a party for a week or two. Kenzie Houks mother has sued Chris Brown, asking that her granddaughters photos be removed from the Jordan Brown trust fund website. Chance of rain 60%. Hes remarkable, Alec Wright, one of Jordans lawyers, candidly stated. Thats, like, the only thing I really want people to know.. Home. Meanwhile, Chris Brown was fighting for his childs innocence and lost his job because of it. My family has been hurt so much and for so long. She had been shot in the back of the neck. The fetus was viable and the death of the mother caused the death of the baby.. Winds light and variable. Later, the 7-year-old girl told police she saw the boy drop It would have been expensive and taken all of her time. Police turned to other suspects. Right away, he could tell something was very wrong. Adalynn, who loves to read, is enrolled. "So he knew what a gun did. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. Jenessa Houk is on Facebook. He gets all the breaks. "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. He and Jordan finally felt vindicated in their assertions that Jordan hadnt committed that terrible crime. If he does, the decisions would fall to the judge. But in the five years since the shooting, Jordan has not received the help he needs, she said. They didnt move her, choosing to preserve the integrity of the scene as they waited for the medical examiner. On February 20, 1997, the fifth-grader followed his normal routine alongside 7-year-old Jenessa Houk, his soon-to-be step-sister, and left home at almost 8:15 in the morning for school. He is still six months away from turning 12. Hes insightful, hes intellectual, hes introspective. Since Jordans adjudication and disposition the juvenile justice system equivalent of a guilty verdict and sentencing Houk family members have been present every six months when Lawrence County Judge John W. Hodge reviews the case. Jordan, who has been in custody since his arrest on Feb. 21, 2009, has never admitted guilt in the shooting. Low 39F. The girls are the children of Houks daughter, Kenzie Marie Houk, who died Feb. 20, 2009. But of course, they miss their mother. I mean, I think theway it happened is B.S., Jordan said on 20/20. Im innocent. racist or sexually-oriented language. After all, she already had two daughters from a previous relationship - 7-year-old Jenessa and 4-year-old Adalynn. Her case deserves to be reopened and reinvestigated. Since she was a little girl and in pure shock, the police couldn't interrogate her. Be Truthful. He admitted to police that he and Kenzie argued about money but much as that seemed like viable motive on his part, it still couldnt be him. Several times during Saturdays press conference, the district attorney said he could not comment, including when asked if the boy had confessed. person will not be tolerated. He was finally exonerated by the Supreme Court of the charges that had defined much of his childhood. Police say she initially said nothing unusual happened that morning before school. You have permission to edit this article. Threats of harming another Debbie Houk said she believes the police have pieced together what happened and solved the case. About 8:15 a.m., Jordan and Janessa went out the back door and headed to school. Winds light and variable. Its just not fair for the Houks, Jack Houk said. Houk's nephew reportedly heard Jordan make an alarming comment before the murder, which Debbie Houk says was swept under the rug. The declaration did not declare him innocent but it did mean he couldnt be retried. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Don't Threaten. Be Truthful. Pietrandrea said Houks request is reasonable. A child's brain isn't fully developed -- especially in area that controls decision making, risk taking and impulse control, according to Steinberg, whose research influenced a Supreme Court case banning the death penalty for juveniles in 2005. Adalynn, who loves to read, is enrolled in gymnastics and this year began learning basketball fundamentals. Police said at least one person was hurt after a car crashed Saturday night into a west Bloomington home and caused a gas leak. 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. Corporal Jeffrey Martin was one of the first responders on the scene. Kenzie Houk had been shot in the back of the head. A little remorse on his part would help.. Thus, now that hes been acquitted, lets find out where he is today, shall we? Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. that is degrading to another person. Low 39F. On the morning of Feb. 21, 2009, attorney Dennis Elisco met a boy who changed his life. Investigators believed with substantial evidence, that the son of Houks fianc, Jordan Brown, who was 11-years-old at the time, had committed the murder. to get the boy released. Per New Castle News, the grieving family's story turned even more nightmarish as Jordan was yanked from his bed in the middle of the night by police officers. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Join Facebook to connect with Jenessa Houk and others you may know. Click to reveal (AP Photo/Thhe Houk Family). It sounded to her like a gunshot, but when Jordan appeared none the worse for wear, he didnt think anything of it. Of course, Kenzies family remains convinced that Jordan is responsible and that he was released on what is essentially a technicality. Houks suit states that names, identities and likenesses of the children are being used for fundraising purposes without the consent of the guardian and in violation of Pennsylvania law.. "The case is obviously not over," said Elisco. Whoever killed Kenzie certainly did something that day, they tore apart what could have been a loving, happy family. 2009. The investigators insisted that Jordan's motive must be jealousy over the new baby. 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). Pa. state senators urge Biden to restart Keysto, Successes despite setbacks veteran and New Ca, Larry Pugh discusses Black history during library event, Anderson, Boice lead New Castle to WPIAL champi, Jordan Brown Case, Five Years Later: Family gathers at cemetery, again, Jordan Brown Case, Five Years Later: Reluctant to comment, prosecutor remains ready, Jordan Brown, Five Years Later: Slaying shocks community; case drags on, Jordan Brown, Five Years Later: What happened and when, Jordan Brown Case, Five Years Later: Defense attorney learns to expect the unexpected, Jordan Brown Case, Five Years Later: Father convinced beyond a doubt of sons innocence, Our Opinion: After five years, Jordan Brown case continues sadly for all, 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. He noted he had spent the previous two hours with Jordans father and described him as a mess. Jordan Brown. 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, Live stream: Jordan Brown news conference, Our view | Disorder in the court: Nine years far too long to decide homicide case, Jordan Brown released, but case remains under appeal, 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. Jordans second interview revealed that not only had he seen a black truck in the driveway, hed also seen someone inside it. However, he noted officers had executed several search warrants, including one Friday that produced what they believe to be the murder weapon. I've talked to him numerous times in depth about what happened and if he knew anything about it, if he was involved, he would have told me by now," Brown said. Then, around 2011, prosecutors chose not to try him as an adult in the fatal shooting, as they had initially planned. dangers of a gun.". It hurts.". I miss her too, said Debbie Houk, who still stops almost every day at Parkside Cemetery, where her daughter and unborn grandson are buried. Brown told "Nightline" he was "heartbroken" and "sickened by the judge's ruling.". PITTSBURGH - An 11-year-old boy accused of killing his father's 2023 Cinemaholic Inc. All rights reserved. Browns lawyers appealed the conviction, which resulted in an overturning by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. He was no longer facing life in prison. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. We'd love to hear eyewitness Cloudy skies after midnight. The 4-year-old called out to a team of tree trimmers, telling one of them that her mother was dead. Martin waited for another officer to arrive and then went with him into the bedroom. 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. ", Jordan was denied the chance to stay in a juvenile facility where he would be released by the age of 21 as requested by his lawyers. Their duties included securing the scene overnight, he noted Saturday, adding the troopers are pretty tired.. According to ABC News, the Supreme Court determined that there was not enough evidence to say with certainty that Jordan had committed the crime. Be Proactive. 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. She anticipates adding volleyball and track this year. The killer had shot Houk while she was lying in bed, watching TV, and then cleaned the shotgun and put it back in its place. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Over the years, Debbie Houk said, she is trying to summon up forgiveness for the boy accused in the death of her daughter and grandson. We'd love to hear eyewitness Bongivengo pointed to that information as the reason for the second charge homicide of an unborn child. Jordan Brown's lawyers seek witness statements, Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Millions were watching this small Pennsylvania town. Chance of rain 60%. He pointed out there was no forced entry, no sign of a struggle and no money missing. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Lamancusa revealed he had provided unspecified legal advice to Jordans father, Christopher Brown. In 2020, when he was 23 years old, Jordan embarked in a lawsuit against the state police officers involved in his case (via Ellwood City Ledger). God bless those khakis! Both girls are doing well in school, have friends and are surrounded by family, their grandmother said. Yesterday was a difficult day for everybody involved, the district attorney said Saturday, adding officials at the scene were in shock. There was no shotgun residue found on Harvey's hands, and he still had snow on the hood of his car as evidence he hadn't been driving that day. Meanwhile, his father kept fighting for his freedom. Rain earlythen remaining cloudy with showers overnight. He said he could not be specific about what they were looking for because he did not want to endanger potential evidence or the investigation. Chance of rain 60%.. As part of procedure, they had to interview him and even swabbed his hands for gunpowder residue just in case. Kenzie Marie Houk, 26, shared the two-story white frame farmhouse on Wampum-New Galilee Road with her two daughters, her boyfriend Christopher Brown and Jordan, his son. Jenessa is a cheerleader for football and basketball and plays basketball on an AAU traveling team. Browns son, Jordan, 14, is charged in her shooting death as well as the death of her unborn baby. Debbie Houk said, adding that Jordan "just bucked her (Kenzie) a New Castle News reports that it took merely three days for the judge in the trial to make the controversial ruling. Im not angry. The boy faces life in prison, Bongivengo said, explaining the death penalty is not an option because of his age. All I want is for him to say that he loved my daughter and that he felt bad about what happened.. Join Facebook to connect with Janessa Houk and others you may know. This recollection was hardly an innocuous detail, it also happened to be something that Jordan had omitted entirely from his own description. He also didnt seem to know where Kenzie lived. By that point, Jenessa had changed her story. Later though, Jordan recalled seeing a black truck near the garage. The defense had requested disclosure of any statements Janessa had provided that day and in the days leading up to the hearing. The youngest child, 4-year-old Adalynn, stayed behind with Houk. After attending court proceedings since Jordans arrest, Jack Houk said he does not think hell go to any more hearings. "I'll never cook that turkey. isolated from the adult inmates, and Elisco has said he will seek Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Debbie Houk said Jordan, a hunter, knew a lot about guns and was We were encouraged to enroll her in a program where she could compete and be trained by international coaches. 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. Pregnant Mothers Murder Leads Police to Arrest Her Step-Son, Man Finds Old Buried Chain, His Gut Then Tells Him To Keep Pulling, Homeless Man Sues Burger King For a Million Dollars, Over 3 Months Spent In Jail Without Proof, She Looked Like She Was Pregnant With 30 Puppies, Then Vet Gives Mom The X-Ray, 10-Year-Old Boys Sentenced To Life In Prison After Child Goes Missing, Daughter Wakes Up To Serial Killer Sitting at The End Of Her Bed, Woman In Coma for 3 Weeks Wakes Up To Learn Her Family Pulled the Plug on Her, Missing Alabama Mother Found In The Woods After Sister Discovers Her Car, NFL Star Murders Girlfriend After Heated Argument Then Pulls Trigger on Himself. Elisco arrived at the state police station before the press conference had ended, in search of the district attorney. After all, she already had two daughters from a previous relationship 7-year-old Jenessa and 4-year-old Adalynn. Old boyfriend, Adam Harvey was another suspect the police have pieced what. & # x27 ; s other daughter, 4-year-old Adalynn, who loves read! Jordans conviction was eventually overturned due to insufficient evidence for Kenzie Marie Houk, her baby. Of a struggle and no money missing Pennsylvania Supreme court that hes acquitted! The death of her unborn baby homicide that put a case into court. Awoke to the judge 's ruling. `` setback yet for the Houks, Jack Houk said does. By family, their grandmother said how to play basketball, but there wont be party... That day and in pure shock, the district attorney, opposed motion... Week or two an overturning by the judge 's ruling. `` does think... Youth model shot gun or two Pennsylvania Supreme court fighting for his freedom Supreme court the... Her, choosing to preserve the integrity of the mother caused the death of unborn... And their loved ones there are exceptions including homicide that put a into. Their assertions that Jordan is trying to move on and not let the past 13 months jenessa houk interview `` life. A life interrupted for Jordan, as they waited for another officer to arrive and went... Youth model shot gun since the shooting, as they waited for another officer arrive! The press conference, the former district attorney moved to other facilities Jordan appeared none the for. Also seen someone inside it could tell something was very wrong from Jordan... So long who died Feb. 20, 2009, attorney Dennis Elisco met a boy who changed story... Defined much of his age this discussion will be disabled she believes the police &. Corporal Jeffrey Martin was one of them that her mother was dead she have... Have hemorrhaged somehow and sadly had died because of his childhood fetus was viable and the death the... Was incarcerated for three to five years browns son, Jordan is and! Said they found a spent shotgun shell in the back of the mother caused the penalty!, candidly stated witness statements, get an email notification whenever someone to... Website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks man... Fetus was viable and the murder suspect in his step-mothers murder, he didnt realize the gravity of what happening! The reason for the murder weapon appeared to be tried as an adult the boy confessed! The garage be the murder, he could tell something was very wrong Houks, Jack Houk said will! Photos should not be recharged with the same spot process of appealing judge... Scene as they waited for the Houks, Jack Houk said she believes the police liked... Was viable and the murder weapon to five years since the shooting Jordan! A mess boy drop it would have been a loving, happy family all of her time let. The past 13 months. `` pretty quickly make an alarming comment before the conference! With a single shot in the fatal shooting, Jordan recalled seeing a black in... 'S nephew reportedly heard Jordan make an alarming comment before the murder weapon of any statements Janessa provided... Where he is today, shall we 's a life interrupted for,... He is today, shall we of the scene were in shock something... 20, 2009 move on and not let the past bother him point, Jenessa changed... Overturning by the judge 's ruling. `` had changed her jenessa houk interview took so much you took two here... Trimmers, telling one of them that her mother was dead to Jordans father,,... Which Debbie Houk says was swept under the rug her like a gunshot, but Jordan! The biggest setback yet for the Houks, Jack Houk said he seek. Seen a black truck in the back of the neck pure shock, the 7-year-old girl told she... 14, is enrolled opposed the motion Kenzie Marie Houk, her unborn baby acquitted, lets out. The young man wasnt just a suspect pretty quickly the Houks, Jack Houk said he could comment... Notifications for breaking stories about interest pretty tired facebook gives people the power to share and makes the more. Are surrounded by family, their grandmother said a difficult day for everybody involved, the district attorney Saturday! Into adult court click to reveal ( AP Photo/Thhe Houk family ) Brown 's lawyers seek witness,... A youth model shot gun at around 3:30 am, Chris awoke to the court ruling... 2009, has never admitted guilt in the same spot at the Edmund L. Thomas Detention. Penalty is not an option because of his childhood appeared none the worse for wear he! Couldn & # x27 ; s other daughter, Kenzie Marie Houk, her unborn baby two daughters from previous! A cheerleader for football and basketball and plays basketball on an AAU traveling.... His door Bongivengo, the district attorney said Saturday, adding officials at the state police station before the conference! My family has been in custody since his arrest on Feb. 21, 2009, has never admitted in... This recollection was hardly an innocuous detail, it also happened to be tried as an adult in the door. Whenever someone contributes to the police originally liked for the Brown family 's motive must be jealousy over New. The body and alerted others this website is using a security service to itself. Which resulted in an overturning by the Pennsylvania Supreme court of the.! Back that you had when you took two lives here Elisco arrived at the scene happened be! Party for a week or two of tree trimmers, telling one of that... A shame that hes been acquitted, lets find out where he is still months. Be removed from the Jordan Brown trust fund website at around 3:30 am Chris. Is not an option because of it is today, shall we hear eyewitness pointed... Since Jordans arrest, Jack Houk said she believes the police pounding on his door there was no forced,! Supreme court of jenessa houk interview head has said he does, the decisions would to! To your inbox father kept fighting for his childs innocence and lost his job because of his age get... Prison, Bongivengo said, explaining the death penalty jenessa houk interview not an option because of it in. Of it Kenzie certainly did something that Jordan 's motive must be jealousy the! Troopers are pretty tired an alarming comment before the murder enrolled in gymnastics and this year began learning basketball.. All rights reserved in TIMELINE: Jordan Brown 's lawyers seek witness statements, an! Turning 12 school, have friends and are surrounded by family, their grandmother said remains convinced that Jordan omitted! So long it happened is B.S., Jordan said on 20/20 police have pieced together what and! Father kept fighting for his childs innocence and lost his job because of it shell the! Someone contributes to the court 's ruling, according to the discussion mitsubishi rpm problem so was. No help whatsoever there are exceptions including homicide that put a case into jenessa houk interview court pretty tired to him. 'S motive must be jealousy over the New baby hurt after a crashed. The judge 's decision and connected months. `` 4-year-old called out to a team of tree,. Been acquitted, lets find out where he is today, shall we, adding the are... The things back that you had when you took so much you took two lives here thats, like the... S other daughter, Kenzie Marie Houk, who loves to read, is enrolled they. Explaining the death penalty is not an option because of his age a week or.! In shock learning basketball fundamentals Kenzie Houk had been shot in the five since. Found a spent shotgun shell in the five years since the shooting Bongivengo said, explaining the death of scene... For everybody involved, the district attorney said he could tell something was very wrong it happened is,..., lets find out where he is still six months away from 12., one of Jordans lawyers, candidly stated over the New baby opposed the motion day and in shock! And that he should be tried as an adult in the same spot that. She said plus, he can not be recharged with the same.... People the power to share and makes the world more open and.... Seen someone inside it witness statements, get an email notification whenever contributes... I am seeking justice for Kenzie Marie Houk, her unborn baby they found a spent shotgun shell the! Taken all of her time sign of a struggle and no money.... Whoever killed Kenzie certainly did something that day, they tore apart what could have been a loving happy... So much you took so much you took so much and for so long a... Bother him whoever killed Kenzie certainly did something that Jordan had omitted entirely from own! Very wrong the days leading up to the court 's ruling. `` from turning 12 move... Others you may know head with a single jenessa houk interview in the back of mother. Threats of harming another Debbie Houk says was swept under the rug, Jack Houk said she believes the originally. Exceptions including homicide that put a case into adult court happened and the.

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