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12-year-old Colorado boy to be charged with murdering his parents, say prosecutors

Colorado 12-Year-Old Accused of Murdering Parents Expected to Be Charged Friday, say prosecutors
Undated photo of Marilyn and Charles Long, provided by Ron Lee of the Evangelical Free Church Credit: AP Photo/Ron Lee

(CBS/AP) BURLINGTON, Colo. - A 12-year-old Colorado boy described by friends as a wholesome kid who often volunteered at church is expected to be formally charged Friday for the double homicide of his parents, Charles and Marilyn Long, and critically wounding his two siblings, prosecutors say.

The boy, whose name has not been released, appeared before a judge Wednesday night and was ordered held without bond until his next court appearance in Burlington, reports CNN.

The boy was taken into custody Tuesday evening after he called 911 to report that at least three people had been shot in his home.

When officers arrived, they found the bodies of his 50-year-old parents, and two of their children, a 5-year-old girl and a 9-year-old boy, who were wounded during the fatal shooting.

The children were flown to a Denver hospital after the incident and are expected to survive.

Authorities have released very few details of the investigation and are not discussing possible motives. Warrants in the case have also been sealed.

According to CNN, Colorado law dictates that charges must be filed initially in juvenile court because of the boy's age; however, the law does permit the district attorney to request that the case be moved to district court.

Burlington is a small town of 3,700 bordering Kansas.

More on Crimesider
March 2, 2011 - 12-year-old Colo. boy in custody, parents shot dead, siblings wounded




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