YORK COUNTY, S.C. -- A York County teen accused of setting a mobile home on fire and murdering his 14-month-old brother faced a judge Tuesday.
Jacob Morgan faces murder and arson charges but his defense attorney hoped to get those reduced in court. Morgan's defense attorney argued the state did not have enough evidence to prove probable cause and asked the judge to reduce the sentence to involuntary manslaughter.
Emotions ran high after the judge agreed with the prosecution, keeping the murder and arson charges in place. Morgan, 17, shook his head multiple times and once the judge made his decision, Morgan fell to the ground; Morgan's mother could barely make it out of the courtroom after the decision.
A SLED investigator said from the stand that Morgan set two fires inside the family's mobile home in Lesslie back in March, killing his 14-month-old half brother, Joshua Hill.
Morgan's family stands behind him.
"If I had any doubt, any idea in my head that one of my sons could kill the other I wouldn't be here right now. I wouldn't be here supporting him," said Myke Hill, Morgan's stepfather and the father of Joshua Hill.
Barrowclough argued the only evidence the state has are statements from Morgan, recollections he calls inconsistent.
"My arguments in court speak for themselves, but we're entering a plea of not guilty," said Barrowclough.
Morgan's family claims he's autistic and interrogators badgered him during five hours of questioning.
"It's proven that our son has issues with being able to understand when spoken to, and he certainly cannot understand written statements. He has to have things read to him at school so that he can understand what's going on," said Julie Hill, Morgan's mother.
A date for a grand jury trial has not been set.
