Incoming DA Can't Try Boy, 12, In Pregnant Slaying

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A newly elected district attorney can't try a 12-year-old New Castle boy accused of killing his father's pregnant fiancee.

Attorney Joshua Lamancusa is recusing himself because he gave the boy's father legal advice shortly after the boy was accused of shooting Kenzie Marie Houk, 26, on Feb. 20, killing her and her unborn son as she lay in bed.

Lamancusa was elected Lawrence County district attorney in November and takes office on Jan. 4.

Channel 11 News learned that Lamancusa knew the conflict of interest existed even before he won the election, which is why he sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Bar Association's ethics department highlighting the issue.

The state attorney general will now prosecute Jordan Brown, of New Galilee. A Jan. 29 hearing will determine whether the boy will be tried as a juvenile or an adult.

If he's tried as an adult, Brown faces up to life in prison without parole. If the case is moved to juvenile court, any punishment would end when he turns 21.