Watch CBS News

Teen Accused Of Killing 10-Year-Old Girl To Be Tried As Adult

BRIGHTON, Colo. (CBS4) - A judge has ruled that the teenage suspect in the murder of a 10-year-old girl will be tried as an adult.

Kiaya Campbell
Kiaya Campbell (credit: Thornton Police)

The Adams County coroner says Kiaya Campbell died from blunt force injuries to the head due to an assault last summer. There were many lacerations and fractures to her head that caused her death.

THORNTON MISSING CHILD 10PKG_frame_656
(credit: CBS)

Police found Campbell's body on June 9, 2017 in a drainage ditch approximately a mile away from her home. Two days later officers arrested Aiden Zellmer, a 15-year-old boy who lived in the same house, for murder. Zellmer's mother was in a relationship with Campbell's father at the time.

Aidan Zellmer
Aidan Zellmer (credit: CBS)

Zellmer appeared in court last week for a hearing to determine whether he would be tried as an adult. He has been charged with first-degree murder. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.