Judge To Decide Whether 14-Year-Old Murder Suspect Will Be Tried As Adult

A 14-year-old charged with murder will be back in court Thursday. A judge will decide whether Joshua Mooney should be tried as a juvenile, a youthful offender or an adult.

Mooney is accused of breaking into a Jenks home before Christmas and killing Mary Escue.

A woman with The Office of Juvenile Affairs testified Wednesday that Mooney shows a moderate risk to re-offend, scoring an 18, on a scale of zero to 42.

They recommend he be treated as a youthful offender, which means he could be kept in custody until his 19th birthday and possibly beyond, depending on how he does with the counseling programs he would get behind bars.

Prosecutors argue counseling didn't work after Mooney was charged with cruelty to animals and assault. They want him tried as an adult.

The Office of Juvenile Affairs says Mooney's family tried repeatedly to get him help but, his mental health treatment was often cut short because insurance quit paying. They say this would be different, because they could offer longer term programs, specifically for his needs.

5/29/2013 Related Story: Tulsa Judge Upholds Arrest, Confession Of 14-Year-Old Murder Suspect