Prosecutors want teen tried as an adult

Cincinnati boy accused of killing South Lebanon man during fight.

A male victim of an apparent homicide was found around 3 a.m. in the driveway of this home at 1140 Oregonia Road just outside Lebanon, June 30. Staff photo by Linda Weisenborn

ENLARGE PHOTO

Bloodstains from the male victim of an apparent homicide dot the driveway where the body was found around 3 a.m. at 1140 Oregonia Road, June 30. Staff photo by Linda Weisenborn

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Ryan Cook, Staff Writer Updated 1:06 PM Wednesday, July 1, 2009

A Warren County magistrate will consider if a 17-year-old boy charged in the death of a South Lebanon man should be tried as an adult.

Prosecutors filed a motion Wednesday, July 1, in juvenile court to have the Cincinnati teenager – who is charged with involuntary manslaughter for his alleged involvement in a fight Tuesday, July 30, that caused the death of Charles Needham, 61 – as an adult.

The charge would be upgraded to a third-degree felony, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, according to Chief Magistrate Carolyn Duvelius.

Warren County sheriff’s deputies responded around 3 a.m. Tuesday to 1140 Oregonia Road in Turtlecreek Twp. and found Needham down and unresponsive in the driveway. Medical personnel found no vital signs when they arrived, and Needham was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation revealed that a fight occurred in the driveway involving several people. Needham was struck in the face and fell, hitting his head on the driveway, according to the sheriff’s office.

Assistant prosecutor Julie Kraft said the boy should be held in custody because he tested positive for marijuana at the time of his arrest and has been arrested several other times, including a felony drug charge. The boy also has been listed as a missing child because his parents were in jail when his last known guardian died. Although the boy’s siblings were taken into custody by Butler County Children’s Services, the boy could not be found.

Sgt. Brandon Lacy said there were four people at the residence, including Needham and the teen but it is unclear how each of the people know each other. The owner of the home was not at the residence and does not live there, according to Lacy, but the individual who does live at the home was present.

The boy remains in jail and no future hearing date has been set.

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