Nathaniel is accused of fatally shooting an 18-year-old in 1997

November 15, 1999
Web posted at: 7:55 a.m. EST (1255 GMT)

PONTIAC, Michigan (CNN) -- A Michigan jury resumes deliberations Monday in the trial of one of the nation's youngest murder defendants. Nathaniel Abraham, now 13, was 11 when he was arrested in Pontiac. He's being tried as an adult and could face life in prison if convicted.

Monday is the third day of deliberations. Jurors considered the case last Wednesday and Friday before adjourning for the weekend. There were no deliberations last Thursday, Veterans Day.

Nathaniel is accused of taking aim at 18-year-old Ronnie Greene Jr. with a .22-caliber rifle from at least 200 feet away and fatally shooting him in the head October 29, 1997, after telling a friend he was "gonna shoot somebody." Prosecutors say he bragged about the shooting the next day.

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If he is convicted, prosecutors said they would ask for a blended sentence, meaning Nathaniel would be held in a juvenile facility until age 21, then his case would be reviewed to decide if he should be freed or sent to prison.

Prosecutors contend Nathaniel intentionally shot Greene outside a Pontiac convenience store. The defense says it was an accident. Defense lawyers say the bullet that killed Greene ricocheted while Nathaniel was shooting at trees.

Detroit Bureau Chief Ed Garsten contributed to this report.

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