Jaered Long

Jaered Long, the 16-year-old suspect in the Monday night slaying of his grandmother, pleaded not guilty Thursday in Douglas County District Court.

Long is being charged as a juvenile with first-degree murder.

Late Monday night police found Long’s grandmother, Deborah Bretthauer, 67, dead in her apartment at 1200 George Court, noting “obvious traumatic injuries.” Police had responded to a call of a stabbing at the residence, where Long also lived. Police said Long is the one who made the call. After questioning, Long was soon arrested and charged in the death.

Jaered Long

A Lawrence Police Department forensics investigations vehicle sits parked outside an apartment complex at 1200 George Court on Tuesday morning.

Thursday morning Long appeared in Douglas County District Court for a detention hearing. His mother, Melinda Toumi, and a handful of others waited on one side of the courtroom before he entered.

Toumi’s eyes were red with tears. As others filed into the courtroom they gave her hugs and offerings of support.

Long was led into the courtroom wearing shackles around his ankles and a gray fleece jacket. He did not turn around to see his family, but instead sat in silence, facing forward, cracking his knuckles.

Represented by attorney Craig Stancliffe, Long pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder charge.

The prosecution, led by District Attorney Charles Branson, asked for Long to be detained on the basis that he may be a danger to himself or others. Branson submitted criminal complaints and arresting affidavits for Pro Tem Judge James George to consider.

“This court does find Jaered a danger to himself and others and orders him detained upon that finding,” George said after reviewing the documents.

Long will be held without bond in the Douglas County Juvenile Detention Center until the afternoon of Jan. 20, when he is scheduled to appear in court for a trial setting date.

As he was escorted out of the courtroom Long said nothing.

“I love you, honey,” Toumi said loudly as her son passed through the courtroom doors.

Julie Boyle, communications director for the Lawrence School District, confirmed Long is a student within the district, but said he was not a student at Lawrence High School or Free State High School. “Federal student privacy laws prevent us from discussing his specific educational record,” she said.

“We are shocked and saddened by this news,” Boyle said. “Our sympathies are with the family involved.”