Charges Filed Against Teen In Murder Of 10-Year-Old
BRIGHTON, Colo. (CBS4)- The teenage suspect in the murder of Kiaya Campbell appeared in court on Wednesday where formal charges were filed. He remains in custody without bond.
Thornton police arrested the 15-year-old boy, later identified as Aidan Zellmer, in connection with the 10-year-old's murder.
Zellmer was charged with first-degree murder in Adams County Court.
"We formally filed two counts of first-degree murder. The first count is intent and after deliberation murder. The second count is what's called murder of a child under the age of 12 by a person in a position of trust; both of those are class one felonies," said Adams County District Attorney Dave Young.
Kiaya disappeared June 7 while walking home with Zellmer, the 15-year-old son of her father's girlfriend. When he returned home without Kiaya, he told police they were separated in a rainstorm.
Outside the courtroom on Wednesday, Zellmer's father shouted while holding a Bible, "God is good, God is merciful. It's all about God... when will we return back to God."
Thornton police arrested Zellmer at 11:38 p.m. Saturday for investigation of first-degree murder.
He will return to court on June 30 for a bond hearing and to set a preliminary hearing date. Prosecutors want the case transferred to adult court.
Kiaya's family has not publicly reacted to the tragedy but her mother did start a GoFundMe page which has raised thousands of dollars.