TRAFFIC

Caldwell teen, accused of murdering dad, pleads not guilty

Kristin Rodine - krodine@idahostatesman.com

Published: 06/26/09

Email Story

Comments (0) |

1/2

Shawn Raecke / Idaho Statesman

Fourteen-year-old Zachary Neagle talks with his two lawyers Charles Crafts, left, and Chuck Peterson, right, before his magistrate court appearance on June 11 at the Canyon County Courthouse in Caldwell. Peterson said after the hearing that Neagle is being held in a juvenile facility and in school. He said Neagle joked with them about getting time outside this morning during his gym class.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

ELSEWHERE

Read about crime in the Treasure Valley

Zachary Neagle entered a not guilty plea to murdering his father Friday morning while a small but persistent group of supporters picketed outside.

Eight local residents, outraged that a 14-year-old will be tried as an adult for first-degree murder, rallied in front of the Canyon County Courthouse before Neagle�s arraignment.

Carrying signs such as �If you think this is justice, think again,� they echoed the sentiments expressed during their first rally on July 11, the day after a grand jury indicted the boy in his father�s May shooting death.

Wearing orange and yellow jail garb, Neagle quietly answered �yes� as the judge asked a series of questions to make sure he understands the ramifications of the premeditated murder charge.

If convicted on that charge, he�ll face at least 10 years in prison with a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.

No trial date has been set, but a scheduling conference will be held July 9.

The Vallivue Middle School student is accused of shooting his father, 33-year-old Jason Neagle, in the head with a high-powered rifle while Jason Neagle was sleeping on his couch May 16. He is being held in the Caldwell juvenile detention center on $300,000 bond.

His attorney, Charles Crafts, has said the defense case will center on physical and sexual abuse allegations. The possibility of abuse, raised by a Neagle relative during the investigation, helped mobilize local citizens to advocate for the teen.

OPTIONS: Most Read Stories | Story Comments | Email Story | Print story

Story Comments
We welcome comments but ask that you remain on topic. Some comments may be reprinted elsewhere in the site or in the newspaper. Comments that are profane, personal attacks or otherwise inappropriate or are off topic are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Do not flag comments merely because you disagree with the comment.

more about comments here.