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Kennedy relative faces court hearing in 1975 killing

Skakel, left, has denied involvement in the death of Moxley, right

June 20, 2000
Web posted at: 8:33 a.m. EST (1233 GMT)

STAMFORD, Connecticut (CNN) -- Prosecutors are expected to argue Tuesday that Michael Skakel, the Kennedy cousin accused of murdering the girl next door when he was 15, should be tried as an adult.

Former schoolmates of Skakel's are expected to tell their story in the 25-year-old murder case.

Fairfield State's Attorney Jonathan Benedict said he plans to call as many as seven witnesses during a hearing that will determine whether Skakel, 39, should be tried as an adult in the 1975 bludgeoning death of Martha Moxley.

Skakel's case has been handled in juvenile court so far.

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Martha Moxley was bludgeoned to death with a golf club on October 30, 1975, in Greenwich, Connecticut. She was found on the lawn of her home, across the street from where Skakel lived.

Michael Skakel is the fifth of seven children born to Rushton Skakel and his wife, Ann. Rushton Skakel is the brother of Ethel Kennedy.

A son of privilege Michael Skakel's childhood was marked by tragedy. When he was 12, his mother died after a long battle with cancer. By age 18, Skakel had developed a substance abuse problems.

He entered the Elan Rehabilitation Center in Maine. One of the questions for the court will be whether evidence exists that Skakel ever told any of his classmates he was involved in Moxley's murder. Skakel denies he ever said anything about Moxley's murder.

If Skakel is tried as an adult, he could face 25 years to life in prison if convicted. If tried as a juvenile, he would face a maximum of four years, Connecticut officials said.

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Attorney: Skakel to be arraigned next month
January 20, 2000
Attorney: No evidence to tie Skakel to 1975 killing of girl
January 20, 2000
Kennedy kin free on bond after surrendering in girl's 1975 killing
January 19, 2000

The Martha Moxley Murder
Martha Moxley - The Unsolved Murder

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