The teenage boy accused of molesting and killing 6-year-old Grace Ross in New Carlisle wants his case decided by a judge.

It was back in May that the suspect, Anthony Hutchens, petitioned the court to have a bench trial.

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office has consented to that request.

Hutchens has been charged with two counts of Murder and one count of Child Molesting for his role in the death of the girl in March of 2021.

At the time, Hutchens told investigators a shadowy man took control of his hands and made him strangle Ross.

If found guilty on all charges, he could be sentenced to as much as 143 years in prison.

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office released the following statement about the matter:

On May 6, 2022, Anthony Hutchens petitioned the court to have his case decided by a judge instead of a jury. Today, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office consented to that request after consulting with the victim’s family.

Mr. Hutchens has been charged with two counts of Murder and one count of Child Molesting, a level 3 felony, for his role in the March 12, 2021, death of Grace Ross, 6, of
New Carlisle.

The sentencing range for Murder is 45 to 65 years. The sentencing range for a level 3
felony is three to 16 years.

If the waiver of jury trial is accepted by the court, the Honorable Jeffrey L. Sanford will
make the determination, after the presentation of evidence, of whether Mr. Hutchens is
guilty or not guilty.