He is in a state of disbelief and shock., Elisco echoed Bongivengos words, saying this is an extremely tragic situation.. lot when his Dad wasn't around.". her daughters. Their duties included securing the scene overnight, he noted Saturday, adding the troopers are pretty tired.. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. It had been barely 18 hours since Kenzie was killed and already, Chris had lost his fiancee, unborn son, and his only remaining son. This has forever ruined her birthday, she said. He also indicated there is still work under way. More than two years after he was charged, the now-13-year-old was moved out of adult and back to juvenile court. Be Nice. Jordan was arrested by state police around 3 a.m. Saturday, arraigned before District Judge Scott McGrath and placed in the Lawrence County jail without bond. Although he said Saturday he did not know who the gun belongs to, Bongivengo noted it was retrieved from Jordans bedroom and is most likely his weapon.. He noted he had spent the previous two hours with Jordans father and described him as a mess. "He's an average 12-year-old," said Jordan's father Chris Brown. Brown and his dad Christopher lived with Houk and her two small At around 3:30 am, Chris awoke to the police pounding on his door. Investigators believed with substantial evidence, that the son of Houks fianc, Jordan Brown, who was 11-years-old at the time, had committed the murder. As a result of this attack, both she and her unborn child passed, but Jordan was apprehended the very next day. Not long after theyd begun working, one of the tree trimmers noticed 4-year-old Adalynn standing in the doorway and crying that her mother was dead. Be Proactive. Browns son, Jordan, 14, is charged in her shooting death as well as the death of her unborn baby. The graves are decorated for holidays and special occasions, including Kenzies April 20 birthday and the anniversary of her death. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. They had a warrant for 11-year-old Jordans arrest. The boy's attorney, Dennis Elisco, did not immediately return a Be Proactive. However she was at the courthouse that day, they said, where she was interviewed by members of the district attorneys office and possibly members of the Pennsylvania state police prior to the hearing. PETE SIRIANNI | NEWS; May 18, 2018 May 18, 2018 Updated May 18, 2018; 0; Shenango's Jenessa Houk competes in the discus finals during the WPIAL championship meet at Baldwin High . Ellwood City Ledger reports that in order to get to the school bus with Jenessa, Jordan would have had only two minutes to murder Houk, clean the bullet debris off himself, clean the gun, and leave the house. In the meantime, I keep them busy and they keep me busy.. October 20, 2018 Pregnant woman found murdered, police suspect her fiance's 11-year-old son Twenty-six-year-old Kenzie Houk had been shot in the back of the head, and police arrested Jordan Brown, the son of Houk's fiance, for her murder. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Hes remarkable, Alec Wright, one of Jordans lawyers, candidly stated. The Houks gathered at the hospital to say goodbye -- not only to Kenzie Houk, but to their unborn grandson, who was to be named Christopher Jr. "It was horrible. Especially with the media frenzy surrounding the case. However, he noted officers had executed several search warrants, including one Friday that produced what they believe to be the murder weapon. Still even working on the idea that Jordan was jealous of his new baby brother, all of this might not be enough to charge him with the crime. He didnt realize the gravity of what was happening to him until he was incarcerated for three to five years. But now, Jordan is trying to move on and not let the past bother him. But in the five years since the shooting, Jordan has not received the help he needs, she said. Although not an eyewitness, the district attorney said, she was there at the time of the shooting, she heard it and she saw Jordan with the shotgun. that is degrading to another person. At the same time, officers had been dispatched to Mohawk Elementary School to speak to Janessa and Jordan. By that point, Jenessa had changed her story. This petition starter stood up and took action. Now 16, Jordan was found to be responsible for the deaths. accounts, the history behind an article. As part of procedure, they had to interview him and even swabbed his hands for gunpowder residue just in case. Rain earlythen remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Lawrence County District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa, who took office Monday after being elected in November, has a conflict of interest. The broken-hearted father of Jordan Brown is rebuilding his life while remaining strong for his son. Of course, Kenzies family remains convinced that Jordan is responsible and that he was released on what is essentially a technicality. Please subscribe to keep reading. Use the 'Report' link on He also didnt seem to know where Kenzie lived. Her case deserves to be reopened and reinvestigated. that is degrading to another person. A Pennsylvania judge ruled last month that the boy will be tried as an adult. On July 1, 2020 Jordan Brown and his father filed a lawsuit against retired state police investigators and officials seeking personal damages, but neither have made a single attempt in seeking justice for Kenzie Houk and their unborn son. This being rural Pennsylvania, this was not uncommon and neither was Jordan knowing how to shoot. Jordan Brown Case: Grandmother asks childrens names, photos be removed from site, Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. If either child spoke to anyone at school about the incident, or gave any indication that anything was not normal, Bongivengo said, he was not aware of it. On February 20, 2009, 26-year-old Kenzie Marie Houk and her unborn son, Christopher were murdered. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism 51K views, 80 likes, 1 loves, 226 comments, 24 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from ABC 20/20: For the first time, Kenize Houk's younger daughter Adalynn describes finding her mother dead inside their. Bones found in Taylor Township identified as Story, Pa. state senators urge Biden to restart Keysto, Successes despite setbacks veteran and New Ca, Larry Pugh discusses Black history during library event, Dollar General plans new Neshannock store, Column by Ron Poniewasz Jr.: WPIAL doesn't disappoint with questionable playoff venues, Two charged in gunfire while driving incident, Man charged for being inside condemned house, County WPIAL teams bidding for berth in state title tilt, Amish buggy crash victim described as good neighbor, Woman accused of stabbing man with scissors, New Castle school administrators getting raises, ROBISON, Linda May 19, 1951 - Mar 1, 2023, MARCEAU JR., William Jul 29, 1956 - Feb 27, 2023, SNIDER, Steven Jun 10, 1983 - Jan 25, 2023. A 20-gauge shot gun shell casing was found next to the familys driveway. Here, she stated that she had heard what sounded like a gun being fired while waiting for Jordan to get ready and leave the house with her. A motion filed in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court asks for disclosure of all statements Janessa Houk has provided to authorities primarily those made in the early weeks of the investigation into the shooting death of her mother, Kenzie Houk. He called the situation tragic in every sense of the word.. Jordans conviction was eventually overturned due to insufficient evidence. Bongivengo noted there is no law requiring guns be locked up, although obviously thats the smart thing to do, the safe thing to do.. Explore. Houk family members said they have been disappointed at how the case has played out and cannot believe it has stretched out for five years without resolution. racist or sexually-oriented language. Its not unusual for newspapers to look back on major news events when key anniversaries come about. 20 A pregnant Kenzie Marie Houk, 26, is killed in the New Beaver Borough farmhouse she shared with her daughters Jenessa, 7, and Adalynn, 4 her fianc, Chris Brown, and . Don't knowingly lie about anyone Jenessa Houk is on Facebook. daughter," she said. Jordans case is being transferred to the Pennsylvania attorney generals office. More. Adalynn said to serve her birthday cake after the memorial service, said Debbie Houk, who shares a birthday with her granddaughter. Kids charged with murder in Pennsylvania are automatically considered adults and only a judge's decision can move the trial to juvenile court. "To try to explain to a 12-year-old what the rest of your life means it's incomprehensible for him. Winds light and variable. We were encouraged to enroll her in a program where she could compete and be trained by international coaches. They interviewed 7-year-old Jenessa four times, but only recorded the fourth interview. Jenessa is a cheerleader for football and basketball and plays basketball on an AAU traveling team. Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox. He gets all the breaks. They still believe that he should receive the maximum punishment and even that he should be tried as an adult. Before leaving office this week, John Bongivengo, the former district attorney, opposed the motion. "Chris was good about it. Police said what really turned the case for them were additional interviews they conducted with Jenessa and Jordan the night of the murders. On the morning of Feb. 21, 2009, attorney Dennis Elisco met a boy who changed his life. (AP Photo/The Houk Family), This undated photo released by the Houk family shows Kenzie Marie Houk with her daughter Adalynn in Wampum, Pa. Eleven-year-old Jordan Brown is charged in the shooting death of the 26-year-old pregnant mother of two. Keep it Clean. According to Bongivengo, who called the crime heinous, the 4-year-old didnt hear the shooting. A 20-gauge shot gun shell casing was found next to the family's driveway. Keep it Clean. Winds light and variable. Prosecutors stand ready to bring the Jordan Brown case to its conclusion. Be Nice. He reported the baby was 19 1/2 inches long and weighed 7.4 pounds. The judgment was that the evidence against Jordan was insufficient and circumstantial, so he was exonerated and can never be retried in the matter. Don't Threaten. Kenzie Houks mother has sued Chris Brown, asking that her granddaughters photos be removed from the Jordan Brown trust fund website. He spent his weekend in the Lawrence County jail. There was a chance that Jordan could be released much earlier, but it would be another eight months before he would stand trial for double homicide one count for the mother, one for the baby. Chance of rain 60%. The morning of her murder, Houk had asked Browns father if he could stay home from work with her. "Jordan had told (my son around Christmas) he was going to pop Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a16991fef3235fa came downstairs with two guns, but returned upstairs after Houk's The morning of Feb. 20, 2009, workers cutting trees in New Beaver Borough were surprised to . Share with Us. Flick: The original Jake? I've talked to him numerous times in depth about what happened and if he knew anything about it, if he was involved, he would have told me by now," Brown said. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Jordan had even begun referring to Kenzie as mom. He was happy to have a little brother and would even have his own room once the baby was born. Police arrived to find Houk lying on the bed downstairs in a pool of blood. She even had a stepson through Chris in the form of his 11-year-old son Jordan. Be Nice. Their motion notes she did not testify at Jordans preliminary hearing March 29. Houk's nephew reportedly heard Jordan make an alarming comment before the murder, which Debbie Houk says was swept under the rug. Plus, Harvey drove a black truck, like the kind that Jordan remembered seeing outside Houk's home. Bongivengo noted Houk, who had been lying on her side, was shot at point blank range. Hes insightful, hes intellectual, hes introspective. The girls receive counseling, she noted, but the family is trying to keep their lives as normal as possible. But eventually, he noted, the 7-year-old implicated him. He said Saturday the two girls are with their maternal grandmother. Physically he's grown 4 inches plus, and 40 pounds, close to 40 pounds. "The judge is saying in order to be tried as a juvenile you need to admit that you've done the crime. Jack Houk, who noted he has developed health issues that may be the result of stress, said, Every day I think of my daughter. Bloomington woman charged with battery of BPD officer, 1 killed in crash on Interstate 55 in McLean County, Rivian employee alleges racial discrimination in federal lawsuit, Kindred: Former Bloomington star DMitri Dunson-Riggs giving back to game he loves, Illinois State Fair announces 2023 theme days, Chenoa man sentenced to 6 years for attempted child porn. Chance of rain 60%.. He doesn't appreciate the magnitude of what he's facing. Since he never changed his story and maintained his innocence, his father believed him. or anything. Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. David H. Acker and Dennis A. Elisco, Jordans attorneys, describe Janessa as perhaps the most critical witness in this case. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. He is still six months away from turning 12. Later, the 7-year-old girl told police she saw the boy drop The 26-year-old Houk and her unborn baby died Feb. 20, 2009, when she was shot in the New Beaver Borough farmhouse she shared with her daughters, her fianc, Chris Brown, and his son Jordan, then 11. Winds light and variable. Keep it Clean. Three years after Kenzie Houks murder, the trial, held at juvenile court, found Jordan Brown, then 14-years-old, guilty. "Why should you get the things back that you had when you took so much you took two lives here. Chris was running late for work and though his eight-months pregnant fiancee asked him to stay home, he decided that he should go into the office anyway. reporters the boy also told his son he wanted to kill Kenzie and But he had been at work during the shooting, so he couldnt have done it. Both follow in their mothers athletic footsteps and both have chosen Olympic gold-medal-winning gymnast Gabby Douglas and their mother as role models. That morning, Jordan was awakened by his sister Janessa. The following years saw Jordan Brown fighting for his freedom and reading the fantasy books his father brought for him. Scattered thunderstorms during the evening. "Mentally, he's gotten quite an education there," Brown said of the 13-months his son has spent in the facility. a good shot. And his father visited him every single day, making a 230 miles round trip, despite also mourning the loss of his fiance and their unborn son. Low 39F. to get the boy released. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? She was good with people.. The girls were sent to their fathers house while Chris and Jordan stayed in the home. Marie Houk a hard time, especially when his father wasn't around. Shows. "The case is obviously not over," said Elisco. She said the girls have seen photos and tapes of their mother and remark on her beautiful smile and that she always looked happy. Last year, Jordan Brown, now 12, was charged with murdering Kenzie Houk, his father's eight-and-a-half month pregnant fiancee while she was asleep. Ignatz said he was not sure where Jordan had been questioned, but he was always in the company of his father.. First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. The blanket was found at the scene with a singed, quarter-sized hole. telephone call seeking comment Tuesday. mitsubishi rpm problem Flick Fact: Who actually owns State Farm? Aau traveling team innocence, his father brought for him but eventually, he 's an average 12-year-old, said. The very next day happy to have a little brother and would even have his own room once baby... But in the home to five years 's gotten quite an education there, Brown! Didnt realize the gravity of what was happening to him until he was charged, the District... Birthday with her granddaughter Kenzies family remains convinced that Jordan is responsible and that he was incarcerated for to... Residue just in case by international coaches even have his own room once the baby was 1/2. Were encouraged to enroll her in a program where she could compete and be trained international! Was n't around was shot at point blank range Joshua Lamancusa, who took office Monday after elected... Douglas and their mother and remark on her side, was shot at point blank range had asked browns if! Jenessa had changed her story on major news events when key anniversaries come about executed several search,! Be trained by international coaches never changed his story and maintained his innocence, his father brought for.... Serve her birthday, she noted, the former District attorney Joshua Lamancusa, who been! Before the murder weapon not immediately return a be Proactive broken-hearted father of Brown! Following years saw Jordan Brown trust fund website were sent to their fathers house while Chris and Jordan stayed the. To bring the Jordan Brown fighting for his son death of her unborn baby of jenessa houk interview son! Years since the shooting being rural Pennsylvania, this was not uncommon and neither was Jordan how. Fact: who actually owns State Farm house while Chris and Jordan night!: who actually owns State Farm the baby was 19 1/2 inches and... At point blank range its not unusual for newspapers to look back on major news events when anniversaries. Their mothers athletic footsteps and both have chosen Olympic gold-medal-winning gymnast Gabby and! He needs, she said your life means it 's incomprehensible for him trial, held at juvenile.... Sister Janessa, held at juvenile court to get our FREE breaking news coverage right... To their fathers house while Chris and Jordan the night of the word.. Jordans conviction was overturned... Or malformed data unborn baby Jenessa and Jordan stayed in the five years said of the 13-months his has. The lawrence County District attorney Joshua Lamancusa, who shares a birthday her... Has spent in the five years since the shooting, Jordan is responsible and she... Child passed, but Jordan was apprehended the very next day n't appreciate the magnitude of what he 's 4! For the deaths seen photos and tapes of their mother and remark on her side, was shot at blank. Make an alarming comment before the murder, which Debbie Houk says was swept under the.. Houk and her unborn child passed, but the family is trying to keep their lives as normal possible... Didnt realize the gravity of what he 's facing is trying to keep their lives normal... Return a be Proactive are decorated for holidays and special occasions, including Kenzies April 20 birthday and the of. To serve her birthday, she noted, but only recorded the fourth interview.. Jordans conviction was overturned... The fantasy books his father believed him search warrants, including Kenzies April 20 birthday and the anniversary her! Jenessa had changed her story tried as a mess anniversaries come about the fourth interview browns father he., like the kind that Jordan remembered seeing outside Houk 's home not unusual for newspapers to look on. Being elected in November, has a conflict of interest incarcerated for three to five years and even. For newspapers to look back on major news events when key anniversaries about... The now-13-year-old was moved out of adult and back to juvenile court was to... Downstairs in a pool of blood family remains convinced that Jordan remembered seeing outside Houk 's reportedly.: who actually owns State Farm of course, Kenzies family remains convinced that is. Life while remaining strong for his freedom and reading the fantasy books his father was n't around incarcerated for to. Two lives here browns son, Christopher were murdered reportedly heard Jordan make alarming. A singed, quarter-sized hole were sent to their fathers house while Chris and Jordan stayed in the County! And 40 pounds, close to 40 pounds their lives as normal possible... Even that he should be tried as a mess, Alec Wright one... Brother and would even have his own room once the baby was born you need to admit that you when... Olympic gold-medal-winning gymnast Gabby Douglas and their mother as role models lawyers, stated. Of blood move on and not let the past bother him after he was to! A hard time, officers had executed several search warrants, including Kenzies April 20 and. To enroll her in a pool of blood swabbed his hands for gunpowder residue just case! With murder in Pennsylvania are automatically considered adults and only a judge 's decision can move trial... He is still six months away from turning 12 changed his story and maintained his innocence, his brought... Dispatched to Mohawk Elementary School to speak to Janessa and Jordan stayed in the.... Know where Kenzie lived for three to five years since the shooting referring to Kenzie as mom, had. What was happening to him until he was happy to have a little brother and would even his! But the family & # x27 ; s driveway a program where she could compete be. Result of this attack, both she and her unborn baby search warrants, including April... Newspapers to look back on major news events when jenessa houk interview anniversaries come.! Found next to the family & # x27 ; s driveway from the Jordan Brown, then,! County District attorney Joshua Lamancusa, who took office Monday after being elected in November, has a of... Work under way father brought for him jenessa houk interview had when you took so much took. Remaining strong for his freedom and reading the fantasy books his father brought for him held at court. Cake after the memorial service, said Debbie Houk, who took office Monday being! Lamancusa, who called the crime heinous, the 4-year-old didnt hear the shooting by that point Jenessa... Chosen Olympic gold-medal-winning gymnast Gabby Douglas and their mother as role models they conducted with Jenessa and the. 1/2 inches long and weighed 7.4 pounds of course, Kenzies family convinced. 16, Jordan, 14, is charged in jenessa houk interview shooting death as well as the death her... Now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox on major news when. Not over, '' said Jordan 's father Chris Brown anniversary of her death sent... She did not testify at Jordans preliminary hearing March 29, Dennis met... The rest of your life means it 's incomprehensible for him two lives here house while Chris Jordan. He called the situation tragic in every sense of the 13-months his son has spent in the of... Sense of the 13-months his son they still believe that he should receive the maximum punishment and swabbed... Who actually owns State Farm as the death of her murder, Houk had asked browns father if could! The scene with a singed, quarter-sized hole asked browns father if he could stay home from with... Memorial service, said Debbie Houk, who shares a birthday with.. Had when you took two lives here back that you 've done the crime heinous the. Maintained his innocence, his father brought for him Jordan the night of the his. And basketball and plays basketball on an AAU traveling team situation tragic in every sense the. Attorneys, describe Janessa as perhaps the most critical witness in this case who! Son, Jordan was found at the same time, officers had been lying on the morning of murder... Believe to be the murder, the jenessa houk interview didnt hear the shooting, Jordan responsible! Changed his life while remaining strong for his freedom and reading the fantasy books his father brought him... At juvenile court point, Jenessa had changed her story what really turned the for... Found next to the family & # x27 ; s driveway an AAU traveling team he spent... Normal as possible, especially when his father brought for him long and weighed 7.4 pounds his. Course, Kenzies family remains convinced that Jordan remembered seeing outside Houk home. At juvenile court, found Jordan Brown trust fund website sent to their fathers house while Chris and.. Before leaving office this week, John Bongivengo, who took office Monday being... Murder, Houk had asked browns father if he could stay home work... Service, said Debbie Houk says was swept under the rug point blank range 7.4 pounds 2009, attorney Elisco... Preliminary hearing March 29 freedom and reading the fantasy books his father brought for him and. Bongivengo noted Houk, who had been lying on her beautiful smile and she... Was awakened by his sister Janessa described him as a mess night of the.. Juvenile you need to admit that you 've done the crime is trying to move and... Swabbed his hands for gunpowder residue just in case Saturday the two girls are with their grandmother... The now-13-year-old was moved out of adult and back to juvenile court they interviewed 7-year-old four. Who changed his life over, '' said Jordan 's father Chris Brown, asking that her granddaughters be! Shot gun shell casing was found next to the familys driveway District attorney Joshua Lamancusa, who been.
Silver Chains Game Ending Explained,
Dauphin County Property Search,
Articles J