Grand jury studies arson case

The case of the teenager who admitted setting Needville High School on fire has been examined by a grand jury during the past two weeks, say several sources. Grand jury proceedings are not open to the public.

The Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office earlier this month unsuccessfully argued for the juvenile to be tried as an adult. He was 16 years old on April 23, when he allegedly started two different blazes that engulfed much of the school.

Now prosecutors are seeking what is called a petition for determinate sentencing, which can be granted only by a grand jury. Determinate sentencing is a hybrid form of prosecution for juveniles, whereby they can be sentenced to prison for up to 10, 20 or 40 years, depending on the offense, with the sentence beginning in the juvenile system and shifting to the adult system at age 19. Otherwise, prosecutors may opt for an indeterminate sentence, which is by far the most common punishment in juvenile cases. The state in this scenario could have custody of the juvenile until he turns 19, at which time he would be released with no criminal record.

Prosecutors have said the suspect has been accused of arson, two charges of criminal solicitation, two charges of burglary of a building and two charges of tampering with evidence.

Defense attorney Steve Rocket Rosen said he understands the case of his client has been before the grand jury recently but did not know any results of that proceeding.

The case is being handled by Judge Bud Childers in County Court-at-Law No. 1.