Lawyers want Pope case tried in Juvenile Court

Wednesday, May 3, 2000 | 12:11 p.m.

Attorneys for a 15-year-old boy accused of shooting his father to death in January are fighting to have his case handled in Juvenile Court.

Although Nevada law requires juveniles who are charged with murder or attempted murder to be treated as adults, there is an exception for children who are believed to be substance abusers or who have emotional problems.

According to a motion filed Monday by Deputy Special Public Defender Kristina Wildeveld, Conan Pope fits those categories.

Pope was indicted for murder on Jan. 28 in the Jan. 6 death of his father, Frank Pope, 62. His trial is set for Nov. 13.

Wildeveld contends the boy shot his father because his father was walking toward his older sister's bedroom holding a broom in a menacing manner.

Just moments before, the elder Pope found the sink filled with dirty dishes and flew into a rage, throwing the dishes at the two teen-agers, according to statements made by Conan and his sister.

Prosecutors, however, believe the teen killed his father in cold blood, noting that the sister, Desiree, told police she heard Conan tell his father he was going to shoot him seconds before the fatal shots.

Wildeveld also filed a motion Monday asking District Judge Mark Gibbons to reconsider his decision to not dismiss the indictment against the boy and order a new grand jury hearing.

A May 16 hearing has been scheduled on the matters.