Antonie Hunter Farani's murder case has been moved to adult court, but the 15-year-old boy was back before a juvenile court judge Monday on an unrelated burglary case.
Farani admitted to second-degree felony counts of burglary and theft for breaking into a South Jordan home last year and stealing a television, laptop computer, printer and stereo equipment.
The question of sentencing prompted Farani's attorney to request the boy's return to juvenile detention, where they can better meet his educational needs.
Prosecutors said that because of the homicide case Farani should continue to be housed at Salt Lake County's adult jail.
Farani has been at the jail since December when 3rd District Juvenile Court Judge Andrew Valdez certified him to stand trial as an adult in the Feb. 6, 2009, shooting death of 18-year-old JoJo Brandstatt at a South Jordan golf course.
Valdez was told Monday that Farani meets with a teacher at the jail just twice a week for 20 minutes.
The judge agreed Farani is "doing dead time" at the jail and that he would get better schooling at a juvenile detention facility.
But Valdez questioned whether Juvenile Justice Services had ever taken back a defendant who had already been moved to the adult system. He asked attorneys to brief the issue and be prepared to argue Feb. 22.
The home break-in occurred Jan. 23, 2009, two weeks before Farani -- who was 14 at the time -- allegedly killed Brandstatt because the victim was wearing the colors of a rival gang.
Farani is charged with aggravated murder and seven other felonies. If convicted, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole. His attorney, Richard Van Wagoner, plans to appeal his transfer to adult court.
Three others were charged in connection with Brandstatt's murder: Shardise "Kaiso" Malaga, 20; Spencer Isaiah Cater, 19; and Jeremiah "Jay" Ha'k Williamson, 27.
Malaga last month pleaded guilty to manslaughter and two counts of aggravated kidnapping. Her sentencing is set for March 22.
No trial dates have been set for the others.
