Teen Accused Of Killing Elderly OKC Couple To Be Tried As Adult

An Oklahoma County judge ruled Friday morning that a 16-year-old boy suspected of arson and murder will be tried as an adult.

Tristan Owen is accused of setting a deadly fire early in the morning of July 13, 2011, that killed Boyd and Doris Haynes. Police say Owen threw Molotov Cocktails at the couple's home in southwest Oklahoma City.

7/13/2011 Related Story: Elderly Couple Died Of Smoke Inhalation, Ruled A Homicide

The Haynes, both 86, died of smoke inhalation after the flames engulfed their garage and spread through their home.

Owen said nothing and looked straight ahead as he was led into the courtroom for his hearing Friday morning. The 16-year-old is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and arson. 

Though he wore a red jail jumpsuit that denotes all juvenile prisoners, he will be tried as an adult for the death of his neighbors. 

"The offense in this case was serious, deadly serious," said Judge Frank Doak. "The defendant caused burning materials to set fire to an occupied dwelling, shows a certain undeniable violence."

According to court documents, Owen confessed to making Molotov Cocktails and burning trash in the area. But he says he did not intentionally set fire to the Haynes' home.

7/15/2011 Related Story: OKC Teen Arraigned For Elderly Couple's Death In Fire