The grim case of Trinity Bostic, the Macon County teenager found dead in early July, progresses as the teen accused in her killing is to face trial as an adult. Fernando Perales Mejia, the 17-year-old suspect, will have his case moved to adult court following a juvenile judge's ruling. Mejia's first appearance in adult court is scheduled for September 27, as reported by WSMV4.
Though originally under the jurisdiction of the juvenile system, Mejia's case transition is already set to be overseen by the sheriff's office. Trinity's remains were discovered near State Route 386 in Hendersonville, not far from her last known location in Macon County. According to police, she was shot in the head. On July 6, which was just days after the discovery of her body, authorities arrested Mejia and charged him with her murder. Details from News Channel 5 suggest that phone records indicated Mejia and Bostic were together on the day she vanished. Investigators also found a gun and a black bag containing Bostic's belongings at Mejia's residence.
Amidst an outpouring of community grief, the legal process marches undeterred, focused solely on the judicial path forward. Renouncing his right to a hearing, Mejia has consented to let his case be transferred directly to Criminal Court from Juvenile Court. A hefty bond of $2 million has been set, with specific provisions not to contact Bostic’s family, as FOX 17 News conveys.
