Attorney for Wiley teens fails to appear
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The suspects, Gregory Wiley Jr., 17, and Brandon C. Wiley, 15, were scheduled for a detention hearing Wednesday to determine if they would be held until their transfer hearing or be released to their mother’s custody. However, due to scheduling conflicts their reported attorney, Marty Crawford, was unable to attend the hearing, thereby forcing a postponement until Monday.
The teens are charged with attempted first-degree murder for allegedly attacking their father, Dr. Gregory Wiley, at the family’s Francis Ferry home last Friday. Wiley was struck in the head twice with a hammer. He underwent surgery in Cookeville and has since been released. He was not present in the courtroom Wednesday.
Lawmen say the assault happened following a dispute over missing money between the doctor and his eldest son. Wiley was struck by one of the boys during a subsequent second confrontation. Investigators suspect the boys may have conspired to attack Wiley prior to the second confrontation.
During their appearance in court Wednesday, family members of the suspects told the court their attorney was unable to make the hearing due to scheduling conflicts. Juvenile Court Judge Larry Ross reminded the teens they were waiving their right to a detention hearing within 72 hours of their incarceration.
Their mother said she understood they would be waiving their right. Ross also pointed out the family would be financially liable for the $150 per day charge for each teen for their stays in juvenile detention.
Prosecutors have announced they will seek a transfer to adult court against both boys. If transferred, they could face 15 to 25 years for attempted murder. If they remain in juvenile court, their maximum penalty would be confinement until their 19th birthdays.
Technically, a transfer hearing could be held along with the detention hearing Monday since prosecutors need only to give five days notice of such a hearing. However, it has not been decided if the transfer hearing will be held Monday.