Teen Charged in Killing Will Be Tried as Adult

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A Sioux Falls teenager accused of killing another teen after a car chase will be tried as an adult.

Conner Hanson was 17 years old when he was arrested and charged with first- and second-degree murder in the January killing of 18-year-old Anthony Gabriel. Hanson pleaded not guilty.

KELO-TV reports that Circuit Court Judge Robin Houwman made the ruling during a hearing on Thursday morning.

Houwman said that it's not in Hanson's best interest, or the public's best interest, to try him as a juvenile, as he would age out of the juvenile system in just three years when he turns 21. Houwman said the adult system has many suitable treatment options for Hanson.

Nineteen-year-old co-defendant Robert Montes testified against Hanson last Friday as part of a plea deal.

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