A 12-year-old Pirtleville boy accused of the shooting death of his mother in August will be tried in juvenile court. His case will not be transferred to superior court. The boy’s name was not released because of his juvenile status.

“I’m just so elated that his case will remain in juvenile court,” said Helen Taylor, the boy’s aunt and sister to the victim. Taylor greeted the news with tears in her eyes, as did other family members.

“All we can do is take baby steps,” she said.

Because the boy had no history of violence or bad behavior, Superior Court Judge James L. Conologue said that it was in the best interest of the boy to remain in the juvenile system.

The defense brought in two witnesses that were interviewed telephonically. Both, whom were doctors and had interviewed the boy, said that the boy’s previous history gave some indication that he could be rehabilitated in the juvenile system.

Gregory Johnson, the prosecution, asked if there was any guarantee for his rehabilitation. Both doctors, interviewed separately, said that although there are no guarantees, the boy’s lack of criminal history made a strong argument in the boy’s favor.

Johnson argued that the boy should be transferred to superior court because his actions were considered premeditated murder. According to Johnson, the boy waited for his mother to come before shooting her several times.

In the end, Conologue said that the boy would remain in the juvenile system.

“He is such a good boy, he always has been,” Taylor said.

Court will reconvene for a judicatory hearing on Dec. 24 at 8:30 a.m. and on Jan. 2, 2009 at 8:30 a.m.  in Division 6.

On August 1, at about 4:19 p.m., the boy shot and killed his mother, Sara Madrid, with a small caliber handgun.

The boy and mother had an argument earlier in the day. The mother and her boyfriend left the home and returned later that afternoon.  The mother had just gotten out of the car when the boy shot her five times

The handgun belonged to the mother’s boyfriend, she said.