A teenage girl will be prosecuted as an adult after admitting she lured 15-year-old Miles Young to a neighborhood just southwest of Springfield city limits earlier this year where Young was assaulted and fatally shot.

Background of the Case

Amaya Tannehill, 17, was previously charged in juvenile court with first-degree murder for her alleged role in Young’s death. A hearing was held in Greene County Judge Dan Wichmer’s courtroom on July 7 to determine whether Tannehill’s juvenile case should be dismissed so she could be prosecuted in adult court.

After hearing arguments, Judge Wichmer took the matter under advisement. Wichmer certified Tannehill to be tried as an adult on Thursday, July 16, according to Chief Juvenile Officer Bill Prince.

Co-Defendants and Charges

Yefry Archaga and Praize King, both 18, are charged with the Class A felony of first-degree murder and armed criminal action for their alleged roles in the fatal shooting of Young on March 12, 2026.

Prior to Wichmer’s order, Tannehill’s identity had not been made public. She is listed as “J1” in charging documents for Archaga and King. She is being held in the juvenile detention center until she turns 18.

Testimony and Motive

Tannehill testified at Archaga’s preliminary hearing on June 15. At that hearing, Tannehill testified she tricked Young into getting into the vehicle she was driving on the night he was killed, knowing she would be taking Young to a location where King and Archaga would “jump him.”

She testified their plan was for Archaga and King to physically assault Young, not to murder him. However, she also testified that Archaga and King were both armed with handguns.

Young was declared dead at Cox South Hospital on March 12, 2026. Court documents state he had a single gunshot wound to his chest.

Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.