Anthony
Super Moderator
A 17-year-old boy accused of sexually assaulting and killing his 6-year-old Bremerton neighbor girl has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder and aggravated rape charges.
Gabriel Gaeta entered his plea in Kitsap County Superior Court Friday.
Gaeta has been charged as an adult. His lawyers told the judge he is competent to stand trial and they plan on advising their client to plead the fifth if he is forced to undergo a mental evaluation.
Police had arrested Gaeta August 9, almost a week after Jenise Wright went missing from her east Bremerton neighborhood.
The discovery of the young victim was made near her home. Police say the suspect lived in the same mobile-home park and he was considered a family friend.
Officials said the victim had been sexually assaulted. She died from blunt force trauma to the head, with possible strangulation.
According to police, they said when they questioned Gaeta if he was the only one involved in Jenise Wright’s death, he “clearly nodded yes.â€
Trial is for December 22, if convicted, Gaeta could face life in prison. He is currently being held in the Kitsap County Jail on $1 million bail.
Attachments
Last edited by a moderator: