A 17-year-old accused of setting an East Toledo fire earlier this month that killed a local teen denied the aggravated murder charge today in Lucas County Juvenile Court.
Toledo police charged Kassi Brandeberry for her alleged role in the May 2 fatal fire at 253 Willard St. She returned to the Juvenile Justice Center following a brief hearing. Kassi also denied an unrelated burglary charge. Megan Mattimoe, assistant public defender, denied the charges on behalf of the girl, who did not speak during the hearing.
Kassi is scheduled for a June 11 probable cause hearing if DNA results are available by that date.
The fire killed Joe Fazenbaker, 14, and seriously injured his younger stepbrother, Michael Rheinbolt, 13. A police spokesman said investigators believe Kassi had a personal problem with a member of the victim’s family.
Kassi’s parents and relatives of the victims declined to comment after the hearing.
First Published May 28, 2015, 4:00 a.m.