Defense Looks for Other Fowler Suspects

The 12-year old brother of Leila Fowler was in Calaveras County Superior Court Wednesday.  Defense attorneys say they are searching for other possible suspects.

Three months ago, 8-year old Leila Fowler was stabbed to death in her Valley Springs home.

Her 12-year old brother said he saw an intruder run from the house, but prosecutors charged the boy with second degree murder.

Defense Attorney Steve Plesser says his investigators are still looking for other possible suspects.

We have our investigators who are working on leads that law enforcement either didn't know about or didn't follow up on. There's extensive number of suspects that are still being looked at,” said Plesser.

In court, the defense said much of the evidence is still awaiting lab testing.

Plesser asked for more time before a trial date is set.

"Our client is 12-years old, we want to get this to trial as soon as absolutely possible. I don't know when that date is, I would love it to be this year,” said Plesser.

The court will attempt to set a trial date on September 18th.