Pruitt murder case heading to superior court

Request to keep in juvenile court denied

EPHRATA — Charges against Brandon Timothy Pruitt, 17, Othello, are heading to Grant County Superior Court.

It was determined in juvenile court Monday, during a declination hearing, to move Pruitt's case to superior court, where it is anticipated he will be charged as an adult.

Pruitt was arrested in connection to with the 2004 murder of Michael B. Mallon, 79, Willow Lakes. He was 14 years old at the time of the murder and is alleged to be involved with Mallon's death.

During the declination hearing, findings of fact were entered and an order to maintain juvenile court jurisdiction was denied, according to the Grant County Clerk's Office.

New criminal charges were not filed by July 24, according to the clerk's office. Adult charges are expected by the end of the week.

Pruitt was charged with first-degree murder in March, in the juvenile court system.

According to authorities, Mallon was killed after arriving at his residence while it was being burglarized. He was a retired state worker and World War II Army veteran. Mallon was shot in the back of the head.

In March, Pruitt's brother, Dustin Gene Abrams, 23, Moses Lake, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for Mallon's murder after entering an Alford plea, which is not an admittance of guilt but an agreement the defendant would most likely be found guilty during a trial.