(South Bend, IN) - Guilty was the verdict handed down to 16-year-old Anthony Hutchens of New Carlisle on Thursday afternoon.

After many legal road bumps over the past two years, Hutchens was tried and convicted this week in the molestation and death of 6-year-old Grace Ross behind their New Carlisle apartment complex in March of 2021.

Hutchens could receive anywhere from 48-to-81 years in prison for the crimes. But as a juvenile, he could also be released in 2-to-6 years.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 31st. Hutchens’ defense lawyers have said they plan to appeal the verdict and push for the case to go back to juvenile court.