OR prosecutors outline evidence in teen homicide

Thursday, June 23, 2011

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Prosecutors say a 16-year-old Portland youth admitted to his father that his gun just "went off" and he fatally shot a 14-year-old girl who disappeared in mid-March.

The Oregonian reports that Parrish Bennette Jr.'s alleged admission is detailed in a court document prosecutors filed this week. In interviews with homicide detectives, the young man has denied knowing what happened to Yashanee Vaughn, saying she walked off toward a light rail train after he bought her dinner at a Taco Bell.

Prosecutors planned to argue Friday that the teen should be denied bail and remain in custody on charges of murder and first-degree manslaughter.

The girl's body still has not been found.

According to the document, investigators say they've recovered the gun used to kill her and matched blood found in Bennette's bedroom to Vaughn.

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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com