A Utah juvenile court judge ruled Friday that a 17-year-old West Valley City boy is now competent to stand trial in the sexual assault and killing of his 12-year-old neighbor.
The ruling now clears the way for the case — which has been delayed for more than year — to move forward to a preliminary hearing.
If 3rd District Juvenile Court Judge James Michie decides there is enough evidence for the case to move forward, he will then hear more evidence about the boy and decide whether the case should be tried in adult court or remain in the juvenile system.