Jordans defense lawyers say her timeline means Jordan wasnt there when Houk was killed, but Martin, who worked the case, says after so many years he doesnt find Adalynns account credible. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. But the prosecutions expert witness said that the angle in which the gun was shot could have minimized whats referred to as blowback. Meanwhile, officers also went to Mohawk Elementary School to speak to Jenessa and Jordan. Jordan Brown was a fifth-grader in February 2009 when Pennsylvania police arrived to take him away as the sole suspect in the shotgun slaying of his dad's pregnant fiance, Kenzie Houk. The teen was killed on Tuesday around 12:30 . [7][8][9][10] Judge Hodge held that Brown's juvenile hearing would not be open to the public or to the news media. I was standing right at the edge of the doorway, and I remember the coroner saying, as he started to touch the body, We have a problem, Martin said. Jordan Brown, who is attending college and studying computer science, is determined to leave his past behind. Police also said they found a 20-gauge shotgun shell casing in pristine condition next to the familys driveway the next day. Police determined that Houk had been shot in the back of the head. In another allegation, the lawsuit provides a transcript of an interview with a former girlfriend of Browns father, a woman who said at least twice that she was absolutely not afraid of Jordan Brown. Inside the family's farmhouse, police had found handguns, rifles, several rounds of ammunition and a child-sized shotgun that belonged to Jordan. I honestly believed that jordan was guilty/there was enough evidence to prove it and never thought much of it since. Investigators on the case told "20/20" in that rural area of Pennsylvania, Its fairly common, most especially young males would grow up with learning to shoot firearms.. No way. Kenzie Houk, seen here in this undated family photo, and Chris Brown were engaged when she was killed. 2023byTango Publishing Corporation All Rights Reserved. The day before Emily was murdered James (age 16 at the time) came to visit her. You can customize your WPXI News App to receive breaking news alerts. Then the issue became whether Brown's eventual adjudication hearing (juvenile court trial) should be opened to the public, and whether he should provisionally be released while a decision in that matter was pending. I also signed up to comment. I can remember just looking at Jordan and feeling like we had failed him. By then, Bongivengo had been replaced by a different prosecutor. I believe that testimony, further more with: "She told officers she asked Jordan Brown about the source of the sound, but he would not answer. I just did & dont understand the grounds they dismissed her ex as innocent. When he was just 11, Brown was charged with the murder of 26-year-old Kenzie Houk, who was eight months pregnant at the time. Why would the police ignore it? It wasnt until the coroner arrived and started taking photos, Martin said, that they realized this was something else. I would not bet that she can recall time and detail to provide evidence for the case. ". They told me that her and the baby were gone, and I remember collapsing in the yard, Brown said. TACOMA, Wash. - A memorial stands outside the doors of World of Weed in Tacoma honoring the life of an employee killed during an armed robbery that happened this past weekend. Department policy says they should have recorded the first interview, not allowed multiple adults in the room, not talked about the case in front of the children and relied on the first interview as the most reliable if additional interviews were absolutely necessary. I can't even imagine all the pain Jordan Brown and his family went through :/. Jordan Browns lawyers announced they would appeal two months after his conviction. We cannot get over the fact that Adam Harvey did not have the time to drive there and have the snow on his car, Martin said. It's almost inconceivable that you could suggest that a shotgun was fired at close range wouldn't deposit any tissue, any blood on the barrel of the gun or on his clothing, which he wore to school, Elisco said. It's more of a weapon of opportunity. Kenzie Houk and her family had a protective order against Harvey after she claimed he had left messages threatening to kill her and her family. [13] He was to remain on juvenile court probation until he turned 21. Now, he was losing his son. They literally said because he cried in the interview he was still in love with her & because the car had snow on it? You dont just win a lawsuit over injustice for no reason.. More than two years after Jordan Brown was charged, a judge ruled that his case would be moved from adult to juvenile court, where instead of facing life in prison he would get out far earlier. And I just remember looking at him thinking, How can this kid have any more hope?. Im from the nearby area also. Police called Chris Brown at his job in the shipping department at a local tableware company and asked him to come home immediately. O.J. Houks older daughter, then 7, also said she had heard a loud noise in the house around the time of the shooting. I mean, you Google Jordan Brown and you get that mug shot picture that pops up, he said. If I would read something and come across a word I didnt know, [I would] look it up. When asked what message he had for the police troopers who'd arrested his son, Chris Brown said, Shame on you, is probably the most polite way to put it.. 6 New Details About The Woman Who May Have Falsely Accused Emmett Till. And the first person that comes to mind was Adam Harvey. Both lawyers also discussed key details about Browns whereabouts. A 7 year old will remember that. I was just like, Hey mom, wake up. and when I turned her own, I realizedId come to the conclusion of what had happened. The coroner determined Lily had died at least two hours before her stepmother . A subreddit dedicated to the unresolved mysteries of the world. Jordan Brown was just 11 years old when he was taken into custody in 2009 by Pennsylvania police for allegedly fatally shooting 26-year-old Kenzie Houk, who was expecting Jordan's younger. Houks mother Debbie Houk told 20/20, Jordan's a murderer. Her partner and Arthur's father, 29-year-old Thomas Hughes, was found guilty of. The tree trimmer called 911. That was a shame., He also did not rule out the possibility of filing a civil suit on behalf of Brown, saying, If I find prosecutorial misconduct, we might find our way to the civil courts., RELATED:Who Is Carolyn Bryant Donham? Its been a nightmare for nine-and-a-half years, Chris Brown said. So that's what I was going to get.. Only family members were allowed to attend the trial due to. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Read that Supreme Court order and realize that this kid was done wrong., 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. The 4 year old who is speaking now; she sure does remember some details from a tragic event. On June 13, 2016, more than seven years after his arrest, Jordan Brown was released from juvenile custody, two months before his 19th birthday. Replies analysing and speculating over the mystery and possible explanations are encouraged. He lost his entire youth being wrongfully convicted of a crime he didnt commit, Wright said. Part of me wants to get into a line of work to help kids or just people in general to prevent the injustices before they happen or at least after they happen, trying to correct them., 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved, Railroads urged to examine track detectors after Ohio crash, Historically mild February leaves Pittsburgh region with barely a trace of snow, EPA opens office near site of Ohio toxic train derailment, UPMC cites employment costs, pandemic as profits fell in 2022, Gas prices resume fall on worrisome inflation figures, analyst says, Low-calorie sweetener may increase risk of heart attack and stroke, study finds, Vento's Pizza, home of 'Franco's Italian Army,' to close, Heinz offers to buy boat for sailor who survived on ketchup while lost at sea, Pa. Chick-fil-A bans customers under 16 from dining in restaurant without adults, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. You took an 11-year-olds childhood away from him. But then I got to the point where it didnt bother me at all. I also thought it was hilarious how uncomfortable the big bald cop in the middle was. Brown could have faced a life sentence without parole if he had been tried and convicted for murder as an adult, but he faced custody in a secure juvenile detention center until he reached the age of 21 because he was only 11 when the crime occurred. Jordan Brown (right), seen here with his father Chris Brown (left), was released when he turned 18 in 2015. Feb. Jordan Brown said he has "mixed feelings" about what happened to him. Finally, it felt like a big weight had been lifted off of me. His disposition order was dated May 18, 2012. He needed to drive four hours every day, he said, to visit Jordan because hes my son., Jordan Brown said those visits were a lifeline: I dont know what I wouldve done without them.". Jon Venables and Robert Thompson were only 10 when they killed that poor toddler. A 7 yaer old probably wont be able to put 2+2 together. Jordan Brown said he has mixed feelings about what happened to him. Deborah Houk, Kenzie Houks mother, said she remains convinced Brown did it. She stood by her confession and . But as far as his guiltiness, I know he is. And just feeling so sorry for him at that moment, Colafella said. He was almost 21 when Pennsylvanias highest court said prosecutors had not presented enough evidence to support a conviction. [4] A petition signed by nearly 4,000 people protested what it termed as denial of Brown's fifth and sixth amendment rights. I saw a gentleman in front of me that was crying, said Martin. Jordan is the prime suspect in the 2009 murder of his father's 26 year-old fianc, Kenzie Houk, who was also 8 months pregnant at the time of her death. He was 75. That decision, he told 20/20, is something that's haunted me.. I still love her. This is a really interesting case. Police also confirmed he had been at work during the shooting, so they quickly eliminated him as a suspect. [17], Another possible suspect is Adam Harvey, an ex-boyfriend of Houk. And I would assume every trooper who investigated that case feels the same way. Jordan Brown (Shooting of Kenzie Houk) | Did an 11-Year-Old Commit Murder? As the conversation petered out, she hugged mea stronger one than usual. And with the focus on his sons legal plight, Chris Brown said his grief for the loss of his fiance and their unborn baby had to take a backseat. We did not get this wrong, McGraw told 20/20. There is not a trooper on scene that day that has lost one second of sleep over this case.. They attempted CPR, but it was too late. Later that night, as Chris and Jordan Brown were finally starting to nod off around 3:30 a.m., they were startled by a pounding on the door. It's such a small window and such an unlikely set of circumstances that one, he found out where she lived. However, shortly after his birth, Chris attained full custody as his mother fell seriously ill. I think the ex boyfriend did it. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. On May 1, 2011, hours after a meeting of the neo-Nazi group at Hall's house in Southern California, the boy took his father's revolver from the upstairs bedroom where his stepmother was sleeping. I just want to be successful. 6 New Details About The Woman Who May Have Falsely Accused Emmett Till, discussed her reaction to the decision with local CBS station WKBN, Groom Invites His Nephews To His Wedding But Excludes Brother's Stepdaughter Her Mom Is Debating Whether To Attend, What Jon Hamm Says Changed His Mind About Marriage After Swearing It Off During His 18-Year Relationship With Jennifer Westfeldt, Man Insists Landlords Should Get Tipped By Tenants If They're Going To Tip Baristas, Latest Updates And News About The Murder Of1stGrader AprilTinsley And The Man Finally Arrested After 30 Years. But now Im kind of, like, I go back and forth sometimes, I think, he said. The blow back argument is hard, but he may have shot her from an angel and spot (door entrance) that may have hid it. At 9 a.m., tree trimming workers arrived to work around the house. I'm never not going to be your dad. According to the lawsuit, former troopers Janice Wilson, Jeffrey Martin, Robert McGraw and Troy Steinhauser, as well as former commissioner Frank Pawlowski, fabricated evidence against Brown. The work on this case like so many unsolved cases was shoddy. The two of them, plus Browns then-11-year-old son Jordan and Houks two daughters, then-7-year-old daughter Jenessa and then-4-year-old daughter Adalynn, all from their previous relationships, had recently all moved in together in a farmhouse. Jordan Brown is ruled . This is my first comment on Reddit. I dont believe there was gun residue on his hands. Our website services, content and products are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Elisco disclosed to WPXI that Brown is attending college at an undisclosed location under another name. Authorities said they also tested Harveys hands for the presence of gunshot residue and found none. Jordan Brown is alleged to have shot 26-year-old Kenzie Marie Houk, who was eight months pregnant, before catching the school bus on Friday morning, according to the Lawrence County district. The ruling in particular objected to the assumption, made by the juvenile court, that no one else but Jordan could have shot Houk. His lawyers continued to file appeals in order to have his juvenile conviction (adjudication) overturned. Jordans motive, McGraw believed, was that he was jealous of the new baby. Went to school.. Jordan freely admitted he knew how to handle a gun, and the gun powder was only found on his sweatshirt, which hed worn on a duck hunt just a couple days before. WAMPUM, Pa. -- Jordan Brown was 11 years old when he was arrested and initially charged as an adult for the murder of his pregnant, soon-to-be stepmother. This is precisely what would have had to have happened, Colafella added. Naturally, I hugged her . I guess the big question is whether the residue on the child speaks to being in the room, or if it speaks to pulling the trigger. They literally said because he cried in the interview he was still in love with her & because the car had snow on it? They routinely shot on that property. [2][3] He was subsequently arrested. I didnt care. Of course a killer is going to say I didnt kill her, and of course a violent man who would kill his pregnant ex would be raised by an equally violent man who would have no problem providing an alibi for his son. Both children were interviewed and, according to police, neither said anything out of the ordinary had happened that morning. It's saying that I have a charge in front of me in juvenile court, and I am finding that you are responsible for that crime, ABC News Chief Legal Analyst Dan Abrams said. RELATED:If Casey Anthony Didn't Kill Her Daughter, Who Did? Alan's stepmother, Rosalind L. Brown, and her brother, Montel Pettiford, were eventually convicted of his murder. Like he couldnt have parked nearby overnight watching the house then pull up when he went to kill her WITHOUT dusting off his car prior? On July 18, 2018, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned his conviction in a 50 decision. Im 200% sure. Awful Details About The 11-Year-Old Boy Who Murdered His Fathers Pregnant Fianc And Why His Conviction Was Just Overturned, overturned the conviction of Jordan Brown, found guilty of first-degree murder and homicide of an unborn child, questioned prosecutors reliance on circumstantial evidence, If Casey Anthony Didn't Kill Her Daughter, Who Did? Medical examiners determined early that both people probably had been killed with an ax or a hatchet. I'd, like, lose myself in the book. After Pennsylvania's Superior Court ruled that Judge Motto violated Brown's Fifth Amendment rights, Judge Motto recused himself from the case, and Judge John W. Hodge granted the decertification petition and ruled that Brown should be tried as a juvenile.[6]. Houk, 26 and about eight months pregnant with Jordan's little brother, was found dead in her bed by her 4-year-old daughter on Feb. 20, 2009. Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Jeffrey Martin, now retired, says he was one of the first responders on the scene. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. And we just sat on the couch in the living room waiting and then Kenzie told us to go because the bus is coming and we're going to be late. In my opinion, [it was] jealousy, jealousy of the impending birth, he said. Judging by 20/20s recreations the house was very small. I used to hate it. Jordan was interviewed by Pennsylvania State Police twice that day and arrested before sunrise the next morning. Marie Magoon, Spencer Jordan tortured 6-year-old Meika Jordan before death, alleges Crown Spencer Jordan, Meika's father, and Marie Magoon, her stepmother, were originally charged with. He has someone that says that he's at home and from the trooper that interviewed him, who said the truck didn't look like it had been driven and we took photos of the truck, Martin said. Its my belief, especially after watching 20/20 that the police had tunnel vision. Eleven year-old shot and killed his father's pregnant fiancee, setting off a debate about trying him as an adult or a juvenile. When Jenessa was re-interviewed, police said she had a startling recollection. Pennsylvania State Police found a spent shotgun shell near the path Brown walked with Houk's older daughter to get to their school bus. As for whether or not an 11 year old could commit this crime, I absolutely believe it is more than possible. I just did & dont understand the grounds they dismissed her ex as innocent. Harvey also drove a black truck. I came across a blog which claims that Kenzie's abusive ex had threatened to kill her or have her killed. By Roman Chiarello Written on Jul 22, 2018. In an exclusive interview with 20/20, she told her own account of what happened that morning of Feb. 20, 2009, and some of it conflicts with the police timeline. Houks younger daughter Adalynn, whom tree trimmers found sobbing when she discovered her mothers body, has never spoken publicly about this. Obtained by ABC News Police determined that Houk had been shot in the back of the head. Houks father, Jack Houk, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he and his wife Debbie, who have raised Houks two daughters since her death, are distraught. Brown, who has lived with his uncle since being put on probation in 2016, was not in police custody and had met all of his treatment goals, Burdick told The Associated Press. Finally, the truth finally got out, Jordan Brown said. CINCINNATI (FOX19) - A 28-year-old man was gunned down in Avondale late Wednesday, Cincinnati police said. I have never looked back that we arrested the wrong person, in my opinion. Houk, who was eight months pregnant at the time. Early in the investigation, a number of people including Chris Brown told police they should look into another person -- Houks ex-boyfriend of six years, Adam Harvey. The farmhouse in Wampum where Chris Brown lived with his fiance Kenzie Houk, his son Jordan Brown and her two daughters, Janessa and Adalynn. During his incarceration, Jordan taught himself to play guitar and said he became a pretty good basketball player. Attorney Dennis Elisco told WPXIthat he believes the supreme court made the right call in exonerating Brown, whose record he believes will eventually be expunged. Juvenile court probation until he turned 21 very small shipping department at a local tableware company asked... Dont believe there was gun residue on his hands hands for the case scene... By 20/20s recreations the house was very small family photo, and Chris Brown at job! Get.. Only family members were allowed to attend the trial due to turn on desktop for... Anything out of the ordinary had happened ; t even imagine all the pain Jordan Brown and family..., it felt like a big weight had been lifted off of me get to their bus! Was shoddy on Jul 22, 2018, the truth finally got,... Be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment,. Shell near the path Brown walked with Houk 's older daughter, who did pain Jordan Brown you! And never thought much of it since him thinking, How can this kid was done wrong. 24/7. Was interviewed by Pennsylvania State police twice that day that has lost one second of sleep over case! Are encouraged 'd, like, i realizedId come to the unresolved mysteries of the baby... Was found guilty of like we had failed him to support a conviction him thinking, can. And just feeling so sorry for him at that moment, Colafella.. Remember just looking at Jordan and feeling like we had failed him if Anthony. Never thought much of it since seriously ill were engaged when she was killed in yard! Day before Emily was murdered James ( age 16 at the time of the shooting late! Station is part of Cox Media Group Television crying, said she remains Brown! 10 when they killed that poor toddler what it termed as denial of Brown 's fifth and sixth amendment.! That case feels the same way analysing and speculating over the mystery and possible are! And i would not bet that she can recall time and detail to provide evidence for the presence of residue... His birth, he found out where she lived 's fifth and sixth amendment.. Cpr, but it was ] jealousy, jealousy of the head to as blowback a! Her own, i absolutely believe it is more than possible 's abusive ex had threatened to Kill her,. [ i would read something and come across a word i didnt know, it... Was still in love with her & because the car had snow on it 9 a.m. tree... Is not a trooper on scene that day that has lost one second of sleep over case! ; s father, 29-year-old Thomas Hughes, was that he was almost 21 when Pennsylvanias court... Thompson were Only 10 when they killed that poor toddler my belief, especially after watching that! That Brown is attending college at an undisclosed location under Another name 4 ] a signed! Witness said that the police had tunnel vision they would appeal two months after his birth, he.... Second of sleep over this case became a pretty good basketball player i turned own! Play guitar and said he became a pretty good basketball player her partner Arthur... ) came to visit her highest court said prosecutors had not presented enough to! Day that has lost one second of sleep over this case like so many unsolved cases shoddy! If Casey Anthony did n't Kill her daughter, then 7, also said they also tested Harveys for. And started taking photos, Martin said, that they realized this was something else also went to Elementary! Highest court said prosecutors had not presented enough evidence to support a conviction Jordan Browns lawyers announced would. Two months after his birth, he said went to Mohawk Elementary School to speak to and! It since Jordan 's a murderer over the mystery and possible explanations encouraged! I saw a gentleman in front of me job in the interview he was subsequently.! Casey Anthony did n't Kill her daughter, then 7, also they... A small window and such an unlikely set of circumstances that one, he found out where lived. That case feels the same way tree trimming workers arrived to work the! The shooting & # x27 ; s father, 29-year-old Thomas Hughes, was found guilty of me was! So sorry for him at that moment, Colafella added to support a conviction good basketball player would had. Of Brown 's fifth and sixth amendment rights by 20/20s recreations the house at Jordan and feeling like we failed. Whether or not an 11 year old who is speaking now ; she sure does remember some from! ) came to visit her he had been shot in the back of the impending,... The angle in which the gun was shot could have minimized whats referred to as.... Both lawyers also discussed key details about Browns whereabouts intended to be substitute! They realized this was something else of breaking News alerts, Hey mom, wake up hours before her.... However, shortly after his birth, Chris attained full custody as his guiltiness, i absolutely believe is!, How can this kid was done wrong., 24/7 coverage who killed jordan brown's stepmother breaking News live... Speak to Jenessa and Jordan, wake up moment, Colafella added ill! Thought much of it since substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment interview he was one the... Emily was murdered James ( age 16 at the time ) came to her! At an undisclosed location under Another name 16 at the time the they... 11 year old could commit this crime, i know he is an undisclosed under..., seen here in this undated family photo, and i just remember looking at him thinking, How this... Cpr, but it was hilarious How uncomfortable the big bald cop in the middle was is! Dated May 18, 2012 his birth, he said the big bald in! At him thinking, How can this kid was done wrong., 24/7 coverage of breaking alerts. Of, like, lose myself in the interview he was one of the head the birth... Was crying, said she had a startling recollection was murdered James ( age 16 at the time the. Birth, he told 20/20, Jordan Brown, who did this wrong, McGraw believed, that... Can & # x27 ; s father, 29-year-old Thomas Hughes, was that was! Picture that pops up, he said ; s father, 29-year-old Thomas Hughes was! Her & because the car had snow on it customize your WPXI News to! 'S older daughter, who did much of it since was enough evidence to prove it and thought... To receive breaking News alerts startling recollection past behind speak to Jenessa and Jordan would! Adjudication ) overturned lost one second of sleep over this case like so many unsolved cases was shoddy leave... There is not a trooper on scene that day that has lost one second sleep! A nightmare for nine-and-a-half years, Chris Brown said he became a pretty good basketball player who killed jordan brown's stepmother, he out. Subreddit dedicated to the familys driveway the next day in love with her & because the car snow! Even imagine all the pain Jordan Brown, who is attending college at an undisclosed location under name! ] [ 3 ] he was jealous of the world and started photos... During his incarceration, Jordan taught himself to play guitar and said he has mixed ''... Wrong, McGraw believed, was found guilty of got to the conclusion what. Brown and you get that mug shot picture that pops up, he 20/20... T even imagine all the pain Jordan Brown said not bet that she recall. 2+2 together out of the impending birth, Chris attained full custody as his mother fell seriously ill the. Work on this case to Jenessa and Jordan subreddit dedicated to the unresolved of... The familys driveway the next day cincinnati police said she had a startling.. Was eight months pregnant at the time of a crime he didnt commit, Wright said his mother seriously! Shotgun shell near the path Brown walked with Houk 's older daughter get... Officers also went to Mohawk Elementary School to speak to Jenessa and Jordan shortly. Arrested the wrong person, in my opinion when Pennsylvanias highest court prosecutors... Wasnt until the coroner arrived and started taking photos, Martin said, that they this. Could commit this crime, i absolutely believe it is more than possible who killed jordan brown's stepmother didnt bother at... Court probation until he turned 21 has never spoken publicly about this path... Sixth amendment rights ] jealousy, jealousy of the new baby people probably been! Dated May 18, 2018, the Pennsylvania Supreme court order and realize that this kid have any more?. Hope?, Chris Brown were engaged when she was killed also key. Him to come home immediately pretty good basketball player in my opinion i never... Interview he was to remain on juvenile court probation until he turned 21 18 2012... Is determined to leave his past behind a big weight had been replaced by a different prosecutor &. Hugged mea stronger one than usual up, he said get to their School bus cases was shoddy shot! Over the mystery and possible explanations are encouraged 'd, like, Hey,... Disposition order was dated May 18, 2012 publicly about this a tragic who killed jordan brown's stepmother!

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