Brazill's Parents A No Show In Court

Teens Parents Taping A Television Show

WEST PALM BEACH -- A first court appearance for 13-year-old Nathaniel is being postponed because the boy's parents didn't show up..

Prosecutors said the teenager?s parents knew about the hearing Tuesday morning in West Palm Beach, but a spokesman for the state attorney?s office said they were appearing on a national talk show.

Palm Beach Circuit Judge Sheree Cunningham told a dazed-looking Brazill and his lawyer that the hearing would be delayed until Tuesday afternoon. Cummingham made it clear that the boy?s parents must attend the hearing.

This latest development came after Monday decision by a grand jury to try the teen as an adult.

Despite support from protest marchers who paraded up and down the sidewalks surrounding the Palm Beach County Courthouse, the now famous middle school student will be indicted as an adult for killing Lake Worth Middle School Barry Grunow.

If convicted as charged, Brazill would face life in prison without hope of parole. Brazill's mother and father sat motionless in the front row of a courtroom after Chief Circuit Judge Walter Colbath Junior read the indictment on Monday.

VIDEO: A day to remember.

The grand jury indicted Brazill on first-degree murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charges.

The 21-member panel met for 15 minutes before handing down their recommendations. During such deliberations, defense attorneys do not present their side of the case. Sources said the quick decision by the grand jury, which had previously met for 5 hours before the deliberations, showed they believed the teen acted with premeditation.

Protesters decrying the expected indictment marching around the courthouse, banging on bongo drums and shaking tambourines. After the indictment was handed down, they gathered in a hallway outside the courtroom and sang the civil rights spiritual, ?We Shall Overcome," while leaving the building.

Brazill is charged in the May 26 slaying of Lake Worth Community Middle School teacher Barry Grunow. The teacher was killed in the last few minutes of the last class, on the last day of the school year.

Related stories:

• June 10, 2000: Nathaniel Brazill's Cousin In Police Custody
• June 06, 2000: Brazill May Testify Before Grand Jury
• June 05, 2000: Lawyers Say Teen's Gun Accidentally Fired
• May 31, 2000: Police Say Teen Suspect Planned Shooting
• May 30, 2000: Lake Worth Teacher Remembered
• May 29, 2000: Suspect's Family Offers Condolences
• May 28, 2000: 13-Year-Old To Young To Face Death Penalty

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