Four State Teen Bound Over For Trial

A four-state teen will go to trial in connection with the death of another local teen. Eighteen year old Jackie Turosik is facing 10 years to life in prison on charges of assault in the first degree. The charges are in connection with the drowning death of 17-year old Justin Houk of Neosho early last month. Houk`s body was found in Shoal Creek near the Allen Bridge area northeast of Neosho last month. In an unexpected twist, the prosecution`s key witness, Tiffany Adams, broke her plea agreement today, and pleaded the 5th amendment at today`s preliminary hearing. Adams is now back in jail on her original charge of hindering prosecution. Newton county prosecuter Scott Watson says her decision not to testify will not hurt their case. Watson said, "my assistants and i will be looking at the case law and other ways to try this case and if she chooses not the testify that`s her perogative but we also have perogatives and options ourselves and we won`t hesitate to use them." Since Adams made herself unavailable to the courts, Newton County Sheriff`s Deputy Rick Geller was able to answer questions regarding the statement Adams gave to the police back on May 11th. Geller said that in Adams statement, she told police several people had been drinking at the Allen Bridge when the altercation between Turosik and Houk took place. Geller also testified that Adams said she heard Turosik say he had pushed Houk into the creek. Houk, who had a broken leg at the time, was not able to swim to safety. Watson says the prosecution has gathered enough evidence and is ready to go to trial. Watson said, "The prosecution is ready to go to trial and put this part of our past behind us and provide some justice for Justin." Turosik`s next court appearance will be July 8th. Reported By: Jennifer Haile