Emotional testimony in the courtroom as a judge sentenced a 16-year-old New Carlisle boy in the murder and molestation of a 6-year-old girl.
Anthony Hutchens was found guilty of Grace Ross' death in January.
Today, the judge gave Hutchens 55 years for the murder of 6-year-old Grace Ross and 9 years consecutively for child molestation for a total of 64 years.
However, the judge suspended those sentences under a youthful offender statute, which will impact how his sentence moves forward.
Grace Ross' family and the prosecutor in the case didn't look happy after the Judge’s decision was handed down.
They had asked the judge to give Hutchens the most time he could get, but now, he might not have to serve the whole 64 years and might not even go to prison.
According to the statute, a report will be sent to the judge by Hutchens' 18th birthday.
The judge can then decide whether he'll stay at the juvenile facility, move to an adult facility or community corrections, or discharge him from the sentence all together.
Hutchens has to complete programming and register as a violent sexual predator.
As the judge handed down his decision, he said, quote:
"No matter what sentence I give today won't ease everyone's pain and won't bring Grace back,” said Hon. Judge Jeffrey Sanford, St. Joseph County Superior Court.
Hutchens’ mental health and immaturity were taken into account.
According to the defense, this is the right move.
"People change, especially juveniles, and people are capable of rehabilitation, so it was the right decision because that’s not something that just should be finalized while this child was at this particular age,” said Jeff Kimmell, Anthony Hutchens' Defense Attorney
Grace Ross' family left with tears and frustration.
They, and the prosecuting attorney, reminded the court of the horrible acts committed against Grace, and asked that Hutchens get as much time as possible in the Department of Corrections.
Grace's mom said she misses her daughter, who she says would've grown up to be a kind, compassionate woman.
"My whole world tilted on its axis that day. For a long time, all I could see was that picture of her laying in the woods,” said Michelle Ross, Grace Ross' mom.
Her grandma cried to the judge.
"Until Grace is home with her family, Anthony shouldn't be able to go home to his family,” said Kelli Howard, Grace Ross' grandma.
Hutchens might still appeal the original waiver to adult court because his defense says there’s "some unsettled case law in that.”
If it does, Hutchens would be working with new public defenders for the appellate court.
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16-year-old Anthony Hutchens was sentenced to 55 years for the murder of 6-year-old Grace Ross and 9 years consecutively for child molestation for a total of 64 years.
Hutchens has already served 748 days for the murder charge.
There was some confusion over what that meant, even in the courtroom.
Hutchens will stay at a juvenile facility and there will be a review before his 18th birthday and a formal review hearing before he turns 19.
After that point, there are many possibilities, they can keep him in the juvenile facility until he’s 21, prison time, probation, or even time being suspended.
Judge Jeffery Sanford found Hutchens guilty of murder and molestation in the death of 6-year-old Grace Ross in January.
Ross was just 6 years old when she was found in the woods near her family’s New Carlisle apartment.
It has been a long almost two years since it happened.
Det. Wiley interviewed Anthony Hutchens the night of Grace Ross' murder. As difficult of a case as it is, his goal from the start has been to better understand what happened.
"Professionally, every case matters. Every victim matters. But personally, I wanted to see that we found the right answer, not just got "a" answer We got the right answer and that's what I feel happened,” said Wiley.
The guilty verdict was no surprise, according to the prosecution.
Sentencing an adult for murder is 45-to-65 years, child molesting is 3-to-16 years. But in the juvenile system, Hutchens could only be held until he's 18 or 21.