CHIPPEWA FALLS (WKOW) — The 14-year-old suspected of killing 10-year-old Lily Peters has been given a $1 million cash bond.
The suspect, only being identified as a 14-year-old boy at this time by his initials, C.P-L., is also ordered not to have contact with juveniles or have any weapons.
Chippewa County District Attorney Wade Newell said he sought the seven-figure bond based on what police say the teenage suspect told them.
"Given the statements the defendant made to law enforcement, that his intention was to rape and kill the victim from the get-go when he left the house with the victim going down the trail, the state believes there's a need to protect the community," Newell said in court.
In court, officials stated the suspect is facing three charges. In a press conference immediately after the hearing, Newell said the charges are first degree intentional homicide, first degree sexual assault and first degree sexual assault of a child under the age of 13 resulting in great bodily harm.
Newell said the teen knew the victim but did not elaboration on the nature of their relationship. The district attorney said in his interview with detectives, the teen said he first punched Peters in the stomach, knocking her to the ground. Newell said the teen admitted to hitting the girl with a stick before strangling her to death, at which point he then sexually assaulted her.
Based on the threat to the public and the maximum punishment -- multiple life sentences -- Judge Benjamin Lane agreed to set bond at $1 million. The boy's attorneys had sought at $100,000 bond.
"Even though he may not have a driver's license and given his age, everyone in this world has access to someone who can help them to be somewhere else," Newell told reporters when asked why he was worried a minor could flee the county.
The teen appeared via video from the juvenile detention center in Eau Claire. While he's currently facing adult charges, Newell noted the case could later be waived into juvenile court. Newell said it was premature to say whether there were any scenarios in which he'd support moving the case.
Lane also ordered the teenage suspect to have no contact with any other juveniles while he's held in detention. The judge made an exception for the teen's sibling but those contacts would have to happen under adult supervision.
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