The Enquirer

HAMILTON - In an emotionally charged hearing under increased security Thursday, a Butler County judge denied an attorney's request to release a 16-year-old suspect in the beating death of another teen.

Juvenile Court Judge David Niehaus said he was familiar with the suspect and was not comfortable granting attorney Clyde Bennett's request for the teen's release on electronic monitoring.

Assistant Prosecutor Greg Stephens said keeping track of the teen might be difficult because he has lived at various addresses in Butler and Hamilton counties over the past few years.

In a hearing set for Sept. 9, Stephens will try to persuade the judge to send the case to adult court.

The teen is accused of murder in the death of Brandon Mitchell, 17, of Fairfield. Brandon was beaten to death a week ago.

About 10 of Brandon's relatives and friends sat on one side of the courtroom; about the same number of supporters for the accused teen filled the other side.

Three deputies stood guard and separated the families. Usually only one guard is stationed in the courtroom.