Boy, 12, charged in fatal Detroit shooting

DETROIT, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A 12-year-old boy in Detroit is facing felony murder and armed robbery charges in the death of a 24-year-old woman this month, authorities say.

The Detroit Free Press reported Thursday that prosecutors in Wayne County, Mich., have charged Demarco Harris in the slaying of Trisha Babcock, who was shot and killed while visiting Detroit Aug. 1.

"We are confident that the 12-year-old was the shooter," Detroit Police Chief Warren Evans said.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said prosecutors chose to charge Harris under a state law in order to give a presiding judge the option of giving the 12-year-old a juvenile or adult sentence if convicted.

"It gives us options," Worthy said of the juvenile court charges filed last Saturday.

Steve Babcock of Davison, Mich., told The Detroit News he was shocked to learn a 12-year-old boy was charged in his daughter's death.

"I couldn't believe it when the prosecutors called and told me it was a 12-year-old kid who killed my daughter," said Babcock, whose daughter was in Detroit searching for a job.