Accused Killer Will Be Tried As Youthful Offender

A 15-year old charged with killing another teen will be tried as a youthful offender.  The News On 6's Chris Wright reports authorities say Montoya Harris stabbed 13-year-old Sydney Daily to death in March after the two had argued over a boy.

On Monday, a Tulsa County judge said because Harris does not have a prior record and has the potential to be rehabilitated, she will face murder charges as a youthful offender.

It was a violent crime committed after a typical teenage disagreement.  Authorities say Montoya Harris, 14 at the time, repeatedly stabbed 13-year-old Sydney Dailey.  The two had allegedly been fighting over a boy.

In an interview with The News On 6 in March, Sydney's parents said that no punishment would ease their pain.

"I lost my child and no matter what they say in any courtroom. After they pound the gavel, it's still not going to bring my daughter back," said Sydney's mother, Tanikka West.

Because of the nature of the crime, the Tulsa County District Attorney's Office had wanted Harris to stand trial for first degree murder and be sentenced as an adult if found guilty. 

But, that will not happen.

After a preliminary hearing Monday, the court decided that she will be tried as a youthful offender.  Harris' lawyer says the decision is the right one.

"Murder is such an isolated event. It's a one-time occurrence.  It's highly unlikely that she would go out and re-commit a murder after she was released from treatment," said defense attorney Thomas Mortensen.

Mortensen says his client has shown remorse, and experts testified that she could be helped by treatment.

Despite Monday's ruling, and regardless of Harris's possible punishment, both sides say this case still makes little sense.

"Fourteen year old.  Tragic event any way you look at it.  End of the day, it's mind-boggling that a 14 year old could do this," said defense attorney Thomas Mortensen.

If convicted as a youthful offender, Harris could be kept in custody until her 20th birthday.  The teenager is also pregnant, and is due at the end of September.

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03/26/2007  Teen Charged With Murder In Stabbing