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Texas teenager accused of murder, rapes to be tried as adult

Texas teenager accused of murder, rapes to be tried as adult
5 years 10 months 3 weeks ago Monday, July 29 2019 Jul 29, 2019 July 29, 2019 11:29 AM July 29, 2019 in News - AP Texas Headlines

DALLAS (AP) - A Texas judge says she ordered a 16-year-old boy who's accused of killing a woman and raping at least four others in Dallas and Louisiana to be tried as an adult because the "public was indeed in need of protection" from the teen.

Dallas County Juvenile Judge Andrea Martin Lane told The Dallas Morning News that she prefers to seek a rehabilitative approach for teen offenders, but says the allegations against Lenario Washington are so serious as to warrant prosecution as an adult.

The judge certified Washington as an adult on Wednesday. He's charged with capital murder and four counts of aggravated sexual assault.

Authorities say Washington was 15 when he attacked two women last year in Bossier City, Louisiana, then others later in Dallas.

His attorney, Phillip Hayes, did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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