Sperry youth to stand trial as adult, judge says

<br>(Tulsa-AP) -- A Sperry teen-ager accused of stabbing a classmate to death will not face trial as a juvenile. <br><br>Brandon Clay Stewart instead will be tried under the Youthful Offender Act. That

Saturday, February 17th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- A Sperry teen-ager accused of stabbing a classmate to death will not face trial as a juvenile.

Brandon Clay Stewart instead will be tried under the Youthful Offender Act. That means the 15-year-old could receive a sentence as strict as an adult might receive.

Special Judge Clancy Smith ruled against Stewart's request for a trial in juvenile court after hearing testimony from psychologists and school officials.

Stewart is charged with first-degree murder in the October 16th stabbing death of 16-year-old Brenton Epperly. Witnesses say the boys began fighting at a house six blocks away from their school after Stewart accused Epperly of stealing his bicycle.

Witnesses say Stewart pulled a knife and stabbed Epperly in the chest.