Lynden Boy, 13, To Be Tried As Adult In Shooting Death

BELLINGHAM - A 13-year-old Lynden boy charged with first-degree murder in the gang-related shooting of a 17-year-old will be tried as an adult, a Whatcom County Superior Court judge has ruled.

Phillip Krist, accused of killing Denton Hendricks, also of Lynden, on March 6, is a danger to the community, Judge Pro Tem Chuck Snyder said in Thursday's ruling.

Krist is the youngest child to face trial as an adult in county history, officials said.

But the boy's lawyer, Jenifer Greff, contends Krist shouldn't be treated as an adult.

"He's completely frightened," she said. "He thinks his life is over."

Krist began to cry when Snyder made his ruling.

Krist also is charged with two counts of first-degree assault, unlawful possession of a firearm, second-degree assault, brandishing a weapon and two counts of felony harassment.

The charges were filed in response to the Hendricks shooting near Lynden City Park and an encounter the night before when Krist is accused of threatening other youths with a rifle.

The boy will be held in the county jail pending arraignment and a trial. No dates have been set.

A deputy prosecutor was pleased with Snyder's ruling and hopes it will send a message to others.

"We hope that the impact will be through the school systems and law enforcement that juveniles with guns aren't being treated as youngsters," said Deputy Prosecutor Liz Gallery.

"If the message passes that the penalties are severe, it will impact their behavior."