Homicide suspect, 14, transferred to juvenile court

The homicide case involving 14-year-old Lataya Powell, accused of fatally stabbing her mother, will be handled in Luzerne County Juvenile Court. Judge David W. Lupas approved the transfer request from assistant district attorneys Jonathan Dende and Gerry Scott during a recent status conference.

Lataya Powell was initially charged as an adult with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence after the tragic event that occurred on March 29, 2024. Police discovered the body of 44-year-old Tameeka S. Tucker at their South Sherman Street home, where Powell was found on the bedroom floor.

During the confrontation with police, Powell expressed remorse for her actions, explaining that the stabbing happened during an argument with her mother. In addition to the tragedy surrounding Tucker's death, an 11-year-old juvenile male was also injured during the incident with a stab wound but ultimately survived.

The decision to transfer Powell's case to juvenile court came after an evaluation of her mental health, where two psychologists advised that this course of action was appropriate.

As of now, Powell is being held at a juvenile detention facility in Ohio and participated in Friday’s hearing via video conference.