Hempfield student seeks juvenile trial on attempted murder charges

A Hempfield Area High School senior charged with the attempted murder of an alleged intruder in his home late last year wants his criminal case moved to juvenile court.

The attorney for Earl S. Keim IV filed documents Friday saying it was in the best interest of the community and the 17-year-old high school student that his case be moved from adult court.

In the filing, attorney Richard Galloway said the case should be transferred because the teen poses “no threat to the safety and welfare of society.”

Galloway said Keim was simply defending his father when the victim came to his Youngwood home at 1 a.m. and got involved in an altercation.

Police said Keim stabbed Justin Kalich, 34, on Dec. 10 when Keim's father, Earl Keim III, became involved in an argument that moved from the home's front porch onto the sidewalk.

Galloway said the younger Keim will fight the attempted murder charge through use of the Castle Doctrine, a state law permitting citizens to use deadly force when they're fearful for their life or property.

Keim has been free on $25,000 bond.

Galloway said Keim could be adequately treated, punished and rehabilitated in the juvenile system.

The teen faces up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted of the attempted murder charge in adult court. Should his case be transferred to juvenile court, he could not be kept in custody past his 21st birthday.

Rich Cholodofsky is a staff writer for Trib Total Media.