Judge cites outbursts made by older brother of slain Menifee boy

A judge said Monday that a 16-year-old boy charged with murdering his 11-year-old half brother in Riverside County had a history of violent outbursts and postponed a hearing until September at the request of defense attorneys.

Riverside County district attorney spokesman John Hall said the juvenile court judge referred to the alleged history of “violent outbursts” at the hearing for the brother of Terry Smith, whose remains were found last week in a shallow grave

Hall said he could not elaborate on the outbursts. The detention hearing to decide whether the suspect will remain in custody was postponed until Sept. 17 to allow defense attorneys time to review evidence in the case.

PHOTOS: Search for missing autistic boy in Menifee

Prosecutors have said they are planning to ask a judge to determine whether the youth should be tried in juvenile or adult court.

The remains of Terry Smith were found in the grave near the family’s home in Menifee. The boy’s mother reported the child missing the morning of July 7.

Hundreds of volunteers and law enforcement authorities conducted a search that covered more than 55 square miles.

Authorities said the 16-year-old, whom The Times is not identifying because he is a minor, was the last person to see Terry.

Some family members said they were shocked by the murder charges, saying the brothers got along well together.

“The boys didn’t even disagree,” said Paula Smith, Terry’s aunt. “There was no violence ever.”

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