Suspected teenage killer in court as prosecutors push for them to be charged as an adult

KINGS COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Dozens of people showed up in support Tuesday morning for the family of Nana Jeff Silva and all others whose lives were cut short at the hands of juvenile suspects.

Through tears, Nana's mother, Udean Silva recounts the last few months without her daughter.

The 20-year-old mother was murdered in April.

On Tuesday, her accused killer was in court.

Prosecutors, including the Kings County District Attorney, Sarah Hacker, are pushing for the suspect to be tried as an adult.

"In this particular case, our office reviewed the file, we reviewed prior criminal history, we reviewed his age, the facts of the case and we believe that this is a case that is appropriate for transfer," explains Hacker.

Udean Silva expresses, "That is what I want to see, is them being tried as adults because they did something wrong. You just can't get a slap on the hand."

Udean faced the person in court who is believed to be responsible for her daughter's death.

She was not alone, she was supported by a group efforting the reform of Prop 57.

The group is made up of dozens who unite in the pain of having lost a loved one too soon at the hands of a teenage killer.

"It was very powerful to see family members, not just the victim in this case, but also family members from other cases join together. They have such a strong, powerful and positive community," expresses Hacker.

Hacker also continues to push for change, all in an effort to help residents of her county rest easier and feel more secure.

"This case is so important that it has garnered the attention of a lot of our community members. A lot of people in Hanford feel unsafe because of the rise of juvenile crime in our community. What we wanted to do is show victims that our office isn't afraid to take the steps to hold a juvenile accountable, even if that means transferring them to adult court," mentions Hacker. "Some of these crimes are very serious, and they pose a great threat to your average community members. What we want to do is to make sure that when juvenile killers commit these crimes, they are going to suffer the consequences. I can't tell you how many different family members have come to me and said the consequences of juvenile court are so light, it's almost as if my loved one never existed."

Hacker says if the judge rules in their favor, they move on to a transfer hearing.

If the judge rules against them they plan to appeal, Hacker says "that gives us an opportunity to go to the appellate court and ask them 'Give us direction. How do we move and present psychological evidence that the minor is unfit for juvenile court?''"

The judge will have a decision by November 4, and there will be another court date on November 5.

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