Teen, who allegedly caused 4-year-old’s death, seeks reverse waiver to juvenile court on La Crosse homicide charge

A 16-year-old, who’s charged with causing a young girl’s death through physical abuse, returns to La Crosse County court on Wednesday.

A “reverse waiver” hearing could determine whether Kamitri Riles remains in adult court on a homicide charge or is tried as a juvenile, as he is about to turn 17 in less than a month.

La Crosse County District Attorney Tim Gruenke said Tuesday in court the defense has certain reasons why it will try to have the case moved to juvenile court.

“It only happens when someone that’s 16 or under is charged with first-degree intentional homicide or some equivalent offense, so it’s very rare,” Gruenke said.

The 4-year-old victim died hours after allegedly being knocked to the ground by Riles back in June. She had multiple injuries to her brain and spinal cord, as well as internal bleeding.

The hearing on the reverse waiver could last all day and carry over to Thursday. Riles pleaded not guilty Aug. 3.