Teen to be tried as adult in mother’s death

ELYRIA, Ohio (AP) — A 16-year-old charged with slaying his mother and shooting his father will be tried as an adult and could receive life in prison if convicted.

Daniel Petric would have pleaded guilty to murder if the case remained in juvenile court, said his attorney, James Kersey. Kersey said he offered the plea so Petric would be released when he was 21 years old.

But Lorain County Juvenile Judge Dave Berta ruled Friday that Petric would be tried as an adult and set his bond at $1 million.

Petric, who showed no emotion in court, is accused of shooting his mother and father while they were sitting in the living room of their home near Wellington, about 40 miles southwest of Cleveland, on Oct. 20. He is charged with murder and attempted murder.

Sue Petric, 43, was pronounced dead at the home, and the Rev. Mark Petric, 45, pastor of New Life Assembly of God church in Wellington, remains hospitalized.