Judge Rejects Motion To Try Teen As Adult In Death Of Wilmington Student

DOVER, Del. (CBS) – On Friday, a Delaware judge denied a request from prosecutors to try a teen as an adult for her role in the fatal beating of Amy Joyner-Francis.

In an announcement made Friday, the judge noted that this was the teen's "first contact with the justice system" and that it was a "tragic" incident that would have a longstanding impact on the community for years.

The defendant will instead be tried in Family Court on criminally negligent homicide and conspiracy charges.

The 16-year-old is accused of hitting Amy Joyner-Francis several times in a bathroom attack at Howard High School in Wilmington. Authorities say the teen's physical abuse is what led to a cardiac incident that caused Joyner's death.

The teen was accompanied by two other girls, who are being charged with conspiracy. The other suspects are reportedly being tried as juveniles, as well.

The judge also rejected a motion to transfer the case to Superior Court.