Courts

Teen, who allegedly caused 4-year-old’s death, seeks reverse waiver to juvenile court on La Crosse homicide charge

Published

9 months ago

August 15, 2023

A 16-year-old, who’s charged with causing a young girl’s death through physical abuse, returns to La Crosse County court on Wednesday.

A “reverse waiver” hearing could determine whether Kamitri Riles remains in adult court on a homicide charge or is tried as a juvenile, as he is about to turn 17 in less than a month.

La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke said Tuesday in court the defense has certain reasons why it will try to have the case moved to juvenile court.

“It only happens when someone that’s 16 or under is charged with first-degree intentional homicide or some equivalent offense, so it’s very rare,” Gruenke said.

The 4-year-old victim died hours after allegedly being knocked to the ground by Riles back in June. She had multiple injuries to her brain and spinal cord, as well as internal bleeding.

The hearing on the reverse waiver could last all day and carry over to Thursday. Riles pleaded not guilty Aug. 3.

Brad Williams

A native of Prairie du Chien, Brad graduated from UW - La Crosse and has worked in radio news for more than 30 years, mostly in the La Crosse area. He regularly covers local courts and city and county government. Brad produces the features "Yesterday in La Crosse" and "What's Buried on Brad's Desk." He also writes the website "Triviazoids," which finds odd connections between events that happen on a certain date, and he writes and performs with the local comedy group Heart of La Crosse. Brad been featured on several national TV programs because of his memory skills.