DATE: Saturday, July 19, 1997               TAG: 9707190301

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B8   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: ANGELITA PLEMMER, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH                        LENGTH:   38 lines

15-YEAR-OLD FACES TRIAL AS ADULT IN PORTSMOUTH SLAYING

A grand jury will hear the case against a 15-year-old accused of killing another teen-ager in a dispute over a basketball game last month, a judge ruled Friday.

Elliott Hill of the 2800 block of Shady Lane will be tried as an adult in the slaying of 19-year-old Michael L. Hedge.

Hill and his 23-year-old brother, Anthony Lamaine Hill, are charged with shooting Hedge several times with a 9mm handgun on the basketball court near Simonsdale Elementary School June 15.

Elliott Hill, who is being held at the Tidewater Detention Home, could face life in prison. Anthony Hill is being held at the Portsmouth City Jail without bond.

Only one witness for the prosecution testified during the brief hearing Friday in front of Juvenile Judge Alotha Willis. The witness, who was not identified because prosecutors feared problems with witness intimidation, said he and some friends were playing basketball when an argument erupted on the basketball court.

The witness said Elliott Hill went to a nearby car, returned with a gun and fired five shots. He also said three other men, including Anthony Lamaine Hill, were involved in the shooting.

Police are still looking for the other two suspects, according to Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Michael J. Massie.

Police have released few details about the arrests of the two brothers, but court documents show police have charged Anthony Hill with possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, possession of stolen goods and a firearms charge. Police found cocaine and a gun inside their Shady Lane home.

Elliott Hill could not be reached for an interview. But earlier this month, his brother, Anthony Hill, denied any role in the shooting. He also said he did not understand why police arrested Elliott Hill. KEYWORDS: MURDER SHOOTING JUVENILE TRIAL <

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