Teens Will Be Tried as Adults in Richmond Rape Case

Three East Bay teens allegedly involved in the unconscionable rape of a 15-year-old girl in Richmond last weekend are being tried as adults, meaning they could face life in prison. If the three young men were charged and convicted in juvenile court, state law requires that they would have to be released when they reach they age of 25. The young men are Ari Morales, 16 and Cody Smith, 15, of San Pablo and James Peter, 17, of Pinole. A fourth defendant, Manuel Ortega, 19, of Richmond also is charged in connection with the case, and could face life in prison.