The latest local news, weather and high school sports in and around Columbia and Jefferson City

Update: Monday, Feb. 14 at 11:25 a.m.:

Audrain County Circuit Court Judge Kelly Broniec, of the Juvenile Division, signed an order dismissing a juvenile case against Ethan Harvey on Monday. The order places Ethan under prosecution in adult court for his involvment in the murder of James McNeely in December 2009.

As a result of the adult certification, the Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney issued an arrest warrant for Ethan, charging him with second-degree murder, kidnapping and armed criminal action. He was arrested Monday morning and transported to the Audrain County Jail where he is being held pending a bond hearing today.

Update: Tuesday, Feb. 8th at 5:45 p.m.:

After five hours of testimony in Audrain County Circuit Court, Judge Kelly Broniec took the matter under advisement on Tuesday.

A decision is expected to be made later this week or early next week.

Update: Tuesday, Feb. 8th at 8:30 a.m.:

The 17 year old Northeast Missouri suspect police say was involved in the kidnapping and killing of an Ohio man could know Monday whether he'll face charges as an adult or stay in the Juvenille System.

A special public defender had asked for the certification hearing for 17 year old Ethan Harvey to be continued until Tuesday, February 8th.

Police say Ethan helped his family kidnap and kill 20 year old James McNeeley. At the time of the murder, Ethan was 16.

Ethan’s parents, Chester Harvey, Jr. and Angela Harvey; and his and younger brother Jordan all faces kidnapping and murder charges in this case. His older brother, Chad Harvey, was sentenced to life in prison.

Original Story:

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) -- A hearing has been set for Jan. 20 in Audrain County Circuit Court to decide whether an eastern Missouri teen will be tried as an adult in the death of an Ohio drifter.

The chief juvenile officer in Audrain County, Bruce McKinnon, says the teen was 16 years old when 20-year-old James William Boyd McNeely was killed.

McNeely's frozen corpse was found in the refrigerated compartment of the tractor-trailer that the teen's father was leasing.

The teen since has turned 17. He, along with his mother, father and two brothers, were charged with murder in the killing.

The father has said McNeely hurt his family.