Jul 13, 2008 4:49 pm US/Eastern
Father Supports Teen Accused In Mother's Death
RANDALLSTOWN, Md. (WJZ) ―
The father of a 16-year-old accused of bludgeoning his mother to death with a baseball bat is speaking out in support of his son.
Mike Hellgren reports on the man's first public comments.
Lewin Powell Jr. says he's struggling to deal with the murder of his wife, but praised his son as a "great kid," saying he "could not have asked for a better family."
Back in May, police say Lewin Powell III hit his mother several times with a baseball bat after arguing with her about his grades inside the family's home in Towson.
Investigators say the McDonogh honor student then hid his mother's body in a blanket in the garage.
He's been charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of his mother, Donna Campbell-Powell. He's also accused of attempted murder for an attack on his father.
"I am going to do everything in my power to support and help my son. Please note that this in no way lessens the love that I have for my wife," said Lewin Powell Jr. "My wife, if she was still alive, would like us to provide Lewin with the necessary help that he needs."
The victim's sister described her nephew as well-mannered and loved by all. She believes he simply snapped.
"It's unbelievable, and we're still trying to figure out what went wrong," said Dawn Campbell, sister of the murder victim. "This kid, something happened to him, nobody knows why. Everybody's shocked. We're still in shock."
She also expressed her support for the troubled teenager.
"We're trying to see him at least once a week, and the lawyers, they go out and see him, too," Campbell said.
Lewin Powell III is currently charged as an adult and is being held at the county detention center.
Attorneys for the teen say they plan to argue that he was not criminally responsible for his mother's death, pending the result of a psychiatric evaluation. They are also seeking to have his case moved to juvenile court. They're also trying to get his confession thrown out.
"The best situation, if we can get him tried as a juvenile, is to get him the help that he needs so that he can get better," said attorney Shanell Harleston.
The teen's father is still reeling from the pain, but vows never to give up on his only son.
"I'm still grieving for my wife, and I am also fighting for my son," Lewin Powell Jr. said.
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