RISING SUN, Ind. - An teen accused of strangling his 10-year-old brother to satisfy a craving to kill pleaded not guilty to murder yesterday, as his parents and relatives attended a viewing of his brother’s body a few blocks away.
Andrew Conley, 17, of Rising Sun showed no emotion during his initial court appearance in Ohio Circuit Court in Rising Sun, his hometown along the Ohio River about 90 miles southeast of Indianapolis.
With about 25 friends - but no immediate family members - looking on, Conley spoke only to tell Judge James Humphrey his name, address, and other basic information. He said he had no questions about the murder charge and the possible penalty he faces if convicted.
When Humphrey said the charge carries a sentence of 45 to 65 years in prison, some female friends of Conley started crying.
Conley could face life in prison without parole if the state can prove aggravating circumstances. Aaron Negangard, Dearborn-Ohio County prosecutor, has said he does not know whether he will seek such a sentence.
During the hearing, Conley’s parents and relatives were at a viewing for his brother, Conner.
Prosecutors say Andrew Conley confessed to investigators that he strangled his brother Sunday while wrestling at their family home, and later dumped Conner’s body in a park. They say he told investigators that he had dreamed of killing someone since he was in eighth grade and that he felt “just like’’ the serial killer Dexter, of the Showtime television series of the same name.
