COLUMBIA COUNTY, Fla. — An 11-year-old girl accused of murdering her brother will not face charges.
She was released from custody, along with her 15-year-old sister, who is accused of pulling the trigger.
With crime scene tape still draped around their fence and evidence markers taped to their front door, coming back to the home would open fresh wounds for the Kornegay children.
One month ago, Thursday police say 15-year-old Ariel Kornegay shot and killed her older brother, Damien Kornegay, in front of her 11-year-old sister, Nicole Kornegay, and her 3-year-old sister.
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Both Ariel and Nicole were arrested.
Three weeks ago, Action News reporter Alyana Gomez sat down with the Columbia County state attorney to discuss why the girls wouldn't be charged as adults.
"You factor in the living conditions, the past history, the fact the parents are charged with neglect in this case - I feel very confident that adult charges are inappropriate," said State Attorney Jeff Siegmeister.
A judge decided to let both sisters go Thursday.
Nicole is out and free of any charges.
Ariel was released pending possible charges.
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Siegmeister sent Action News this statement: "The case against 15-year-old Ariel Kornegay is still pending review for potential charges, if any."
On Tuesday, the girls' parents, Keith Kornegay and Misty Kornegay, bonded out of jail.
The Department of Children and Families says the girls have not been released back to family and learned that they are now in DCF custody, under the care of the Partnership of Strong Families.
“We want to do everything we can to help them have as normal a life as possible and also to help them in the healing process," said John Harrell, DCF spokesperson.