(South Bend, IN) - Authorities say a six year old New Carlisle girl found dead earlier this month was sexually assaulted. 

A 14-year-old boy suspected in the strangling death is charged as a juvenile with murder and child molesting.  He made his initial appearance in court yesterday where the charges against him were verbally announced.  Sources say members of the victim’s family were also in the courtroom.

The defense is asking the court keep further proceedings closed to the public until a psychological evaluation of the suspect is conducted.  The name of the suspect is being withheld unless the case is moved into adult court.