Teen will not be tried as adult in Columbia attack

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A Richland County Family Court judge has decided that a 15-year-old suspect in the June beating of another teen in Columbia will not be tried as an adult.

Family Court Judge Robert Armstrong on Wednesday said the teen’s chances of being rehabilitated will be greater if the youngster is tried in Family Court.

The teen is charged with assault and battery by a mob, robbery and conspiracy.

Eight teens were charged in the June 20 attack of Carter Strange as he jogged through Columbia’s Five Points neighborhood around midnight on June 20.

A hearing is scheduled next month to determine if a 14-year-old suspect will be tried as an adult. Two others are awaiting trial.

Four others already have been puni9shed in the juvenile justice system.