Police said what really turned the case for them were additional interviews they conducted with Jenessa and Jordan the night of the murders. It's the same gun that killed my Now 16, Jordan was found to be responsible for the deaths. Share with Us. Be Nice. On the morning of Feb. 21, 2009, attorney Dennis Elisco met a boy who changed his life. Wampum. Bongivengo who said no bond is normal in a homicide case noted the boy is segregated at the jail. Jordan has always maintained that he was innocent of Houk's killing, but with Houk's family and the police working against him, the fifth-grader was stuck in the juvenile detention system. Threats of harming another Of course, Harvey also just discovered that 4-year-old Adalynn, was not his biological daughter as he once believed her to be. That little baby was perfect," Debbie Houk said. "They are serving a life sentence and I am, I ain't got my daughter no more," Debbie Houk said. person will not be tolerated. Of course, Kenzies family remains convinced that Jordan is responsible and that he was released on what is essentially a technicality. "Why should you get the things back that you had when you took so much you took two lives here. 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. Over the following nine years, Christopher visited his son every single day even though the trip was about 115 miles each way bringing him fantasy books to distract him from life behind bars. Flick Fact: Who actually owns State Farm? Roughly 45 minutes later, Kenzie's other daughter, 4-year-old Adalynn, found the body and alerted others. He has just been subjected to some awful things in the past 13 months.". He said the weapon is believed to be a 20-gauge youth model shotgun. something on the ground from his pocket before they got on the bus. View the profiles of people named Janessa Houk. that is degrading to another person. They didnt move her, choosing to preserve the integrity of the scene as they waited for the medical examiner. Martin waited for another officer to arrive and then went with him into the bedroom. Three years after Kenzie Houks murder, the trial, held at juvenile court, found Jordan Brown, then 14-years-old, guilty. But for Jordan Brown, the nightmare was just beginning. Its not unusual for newspapers to look back on major news events when key anniversaries come about. "He's an average 12-year-old," said Jordan's father Chris Brown. Her statement was very credible. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. He is still six months away from turning 12. But eventually, he noted, the 7-year-old implicated him. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. 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. Jordan Brown was charged as an adult Saturday with killing Houk The 26-year-old shared the New Beaver Borough home with her fiance, Chris Brown, his son Jordan and her two daughters. Corporal Jeffrey Martin was one of the first responders on the scene. a while, the woman's mother said Tuesday. her daughters. 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. "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. Bloomington woman charged with battery of BPD officer, 1 killed in crash on Interstate 55 in McLean County, Rivian employee alleges racial discrimination in federal lawsuit, Kindred: Former Bloomington star DMitri Dunson-Riggs giving back to game he loves, Illinois State Fair announces 2023 theme days, Chenoa man sentenced to 6 years for attempted child porn. "Not only that, but keep in mind, [he was] 11 years old when this happened, now 12. You can cancel at any time. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. or anything. (AP Photo/The Houk Family). Adalynn, who loves to read, is enrolled. Jordan had even begun referring to Kenzie as mom. He was happy to have a little brother and would even have his own room once the baby was born. But when she was. A funeral for Houk and her baby boy, who was named Christopher In July 2018, Jordan Brown was set free. Lawrence County District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa, who took office Monday after being elected in November, has a conflict of interest. That led to the transfer of prosecutorial responsibilities to the attorney general. A beautician until she became pregnant for the third time, Kenzie Houk entertained her daughters by painting their fingernails, doing up their hair and putting on music and dancing with them, their grandmother said. The worker quickly called 911 and waited for Pennsylvania State Police to arrive. 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. Right away, he could tell something was very wrong. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Pietrandrea said Chris Brown was named in the suit because he is a founding trustee of the trust fund and owns of the Save Jordan Brown website. experienced hunters at a turkey shoot. But the district attorneys office turned down the request on the grounds nothing Janessa has said had been put down in writing. The blanket was found at the scene with a singed, quarter-sized hole. In the suit, Houk asked that all reference to Adalynn Houk, 7, and Jenessa Houk, 11, be removed from the website. "I think the judge's decision in this case is both disappointing, and I think, misinformed," said Lawrence Steinberg of Temple University. Millions were watching this small Pennsylvania town. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. person will not be tolerated. Share with Us. Due to tough-on-crime laws, Pennsylvania has more juveniles sentenced to life in prison without parole than any other state. Kenzie in the head and pop both kids. In the past, Harvey had warned that he would kill Houk, threatening her and her new family after finding out that Adalynn was not his biological child. A hearing on it is scheduled for Jan. 29. This petition starter stood up and took action. Not only that, but Janessa recalled waiting in the living room for Jordan when she heard a big boom echo through the house. Chance of rain 60%.. The girls receive counseling, she noted, but the family is trying to keep their lives as normal as possible. Don't Threaten. He said Jordan can petition to have his case transferred to juvenile court and he can request bond. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, He tried. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. He fell to his knees in despair and once he had regained composure, made his way to the state police barracks. 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. Cloudy skies after midnight. 2009. In addition, Houks daughter said she also witnessed Brown drop something on the ground from his pocket before they got on the bus, which was where the spent shotgun shell was found. 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. This story originally appearedFeb. 23, 2009, in the New Castle News. The two children then got on the school bus at the end of their driveway and went to school. "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. New biotech can 3D print living cells inside the human body, Ukraine will join NATO but in 'long- term', says NATO chief Stoltenberg, Finland begins building fence along Russia border. Brown continues to proclaim his son's innocence. Kids charged with murder in Pennsylvania are automatically considered adults and only a judge's decision can move the trial to juvenile court. Houk was only weeks away from giving birth, according to Johnson, who said the baby was a boy. Jordan said he had seen a black truck near his house that morning, but he didn't think anything of it at the time. disrespect her,"' Debbie Houk added. By that point, Jenessa had changed her story. But in the five years since the shooting, Jordan has not received the help he needs, she said. At around 9 a.m., some tree trimmers arrived to do some work around the house. Christopher Brown was engaged to his fiance Kenzie Houk, per ABC News, and at eight and a half months pregnant, Houk was eagerly awaiting their new baby. After all, she already had two daughters from a previous relationship 7-year-old Jenessa and 4-year-old Adalynn. They still believe that he should receive the maximum punishment and even that he should be tried as an adult. Human gestation is generally 38 weeks, with two weeks more or less considered to be normal. In prison, he taught himself guitar and how to play basketball, but it was still a prison. About 20 officers had worked the scene Friday, he said, many staying well into Saturday morning. The fetus was viable and the death of the mother caused the death of the baby.. The family was interviewed immediately after Houk's death. She first said she didn't see anything unusual with Jordan that morning, but by the fourth interview, Jenessa claimed she saw Jordan moving around his shotgun the morning her mom died. Jordans case is being transferred to the Pennsylvania attorney generals office. Be Proactive. She anticipates adding volleyball and track this year. Then, around 2011, prosecutors chose not to try him as an adult in the fatal shooting, as they had initially planned. Looking back, I wish we had. After all the interviews, police claimed that Jordan had shot his future stepmother, walked out the door, dropped a shotgun shell on the ground, and then hopped on the school bus with his Jenessa (via ABC News). Feb. Well, it was not an easy road for the Brown family. The Houks and police point to overwhelming evidence they say will prove that Jordan is the killer, including gun residue found on his shirt, a fresh shell casting found outside as well as the testimony of Houk's 7-year-old daughter who says she saw Jordan with the gun. Lamancusa revealed he had provided unspecified legal advice to Jordans father, Christopher Brown. Attorneys for a 12-year-old boy charged with homicide are seeking information regarding a key witness. And the murder weapon appeared to be Jordan Brown's child-sized gun. If he does, the decisions would fall to the judge. Jenessa Houk. Im not religious, but this is what were told to do. blanket and came back downstairs to Houk's bedroom and shot her in 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. Born on August 12, 1997, Jordan Brown and his father, Chris Brown, were a close duo who spent most of their weekends hunting in the nearby woods. Chris had been at his job in the shipping department of a local tableware company when he received the news. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Roughly 45 minutes later, Kenzies other daughter, 4-year-old Adalynn, found the body and alerted others. Its just not fair for the Houks, Jack Houk said. He told him, 'Don't you ever 54.38.94.71 They are now 12 and 9, respectively. Police say she initially said nothing unusual happened that morning before school. Kenzies old boyfriend, Adam Harvey was another suspect the police originally liked for the murder. Bongivengo noted Houk, who had been lying on her side, was shot at point blank range. 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. There was a chance that Jordan could be released much earlier, but it would be another eight months before he would stand trial for double homicide one count for the mother, one for the baby. For now, it's a life interrupted for Jordan, as his lawyers begin the process of appealing the judge's decision. Flick: The original Jake? He knew the 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. Be Nice. Threats of harming another Rain earlythen remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Chance of rain 60%. These ventures are why the latter bought a youth-sized 20-gauge shotgun for his son, which the police considered the murder weapon. Rain earlythen remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. the back of the head. Authorities ruled her death a homicide. Chance of rain 60%. "I know my son. You have permission to edit this article. The decision was the biggest setback yet for the Brown family. 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. On February 20, 2009, 26-year-old Kenzie Marie Houk and her unborn son, Christopher were murdered. 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. 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. Johnson said Houks pregnancy was 34 or 35 weeks along, meaning she was close to delivering the baby. "When I spoke to the preacher he said to me, 'Do you realize that you actually held an angel, because we are all born into the world of sin, and this baby never was.'". By that point, Jenessa had changed her story. 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. New Castle News reports that it took merely three days for the judge in the trial to make the controversial ruling. There were two main theories: either a stranger had broken into Houk's home after the kids left for school and murdered the 26-year-old. Her death was the result of a homicide. and her unborn baby boy the day before as she lay in her bed. Use the 'Report' link on Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, He said the two were removed from school by state police after officers had learned of Houks death. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. As the result of the investigation, which reportedly included statements from Janessa Houk who was 7 when the shooting occurred Jordan was charged with two counts of homicide in the death of Houk and her unborn child. Elisco arrived at the state police station before the press conference had ended, in search of the district attorney. Their photos should not be on the Internet., More in TIMELINE: Jordan Brown case (36of59). 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. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Jordan, who has been in custody since his arrest on Feb. 21, 2009, has never admitted guilt in the shooting. Low around 40F. Browns son, Jordan, 14, is charged in her shooting death as well as the death of her unborn baby. Be Proactive. 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 Threaten. He reported the baby was 19 1/2 inches long and weighed 7.4 pounds. On Valentine's Day, he beat out many older and more ", 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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. It wasnt that Kenzie was worried about the pregnancy, she was ready to have the baby and had plenty of practice being a mom. I think hes come to terms with whats happened to him. A Pennsylvania judge ruled last month that the boy will be tried as an adult. It hurts.". reporters the boy also told his son he wanted to kill Kenzie and You have permission to edit this article. He and Jordan finally felt vindicated in their assertions that Jordan hadnt committed that terrible crime. According to the attorneys, her original two statements to police indicated she noticed nothing unusual. 85 Followers, 146 Following, 13 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from jenessa houk (@cheer1jenessa) 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. Jenessa is a cheerleader for football and basketball and plays basketball on an AAU traveling team. Or, Jordan had killed his dad's fiance due to jealousy over the new baby, then went to school without missing a beat. The site jordanbrowntrust.org now includes blank spaces and the statement Image removed at the request of the Houk family. The girls names also have been removed from text within the website. I just dont get it.. If either child spoke to anyone at school about the incident, or gave any indication that anything was not normal, Bongivengo said, he was not aware of it. It wasn't that Kenzie was worried about the pregnancy, she was ready to have the baby and had plenty of practice being a mom. Lawrence County District. Join Facebook to connect with Jenessa Houk and others you may know. The 26-year-old shared the New Beaver Borough home with her fiance, Chris Brown, his . Jordan Brown, who was 11 at the time, is charged with shooting a pregnant Houk as she lay on her bed Feb. 20. A hearing for Jordan is scheduled to begin in juvenile court Tuesday before Lawrence County Judge John W. Hodge. 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. Browns lawyers appealed the conviction, which resulted in an overturning by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. 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. She even had a stepson through Chris in the form of his 11-year-old son Jordan. Please subscribe to keep reading. Youth model guns generally lighter weight and with a shorter stock are typical of families that hunt, Bongivengo noted. Jordan's life has a bit more normalcy now that he has left prison. According to Bongivengo, who called the crime heinous, the 4-year-old didnt hear the shooting. Supreme Court case banning the death penalty for juveniles in 2005. Houk is the legal guardian of her granddaughters. He said Saturday the two girls are with their maternal grandmother. Lawrence County District Attorney John Bongivengo noting that under Pennsylvania law he had no choice has charged the boy as an adult. Get our free breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox, as they initially. Caused the death of the Houk family heinous, the decisions would to..., around 2011, prosecutors chose not to try him as an adult normalcy now that has... 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