Zach Buhlke ? a defendant in the arson fire that destroyed Island Park Playground ? has asked for and received a jury trial that is likely the first of its kind in Cowley County, county attorney Chris Smith said Tuesday.
Buhlke, who was 17 at the time of his offense, has been charged as a juvenile and until recently those under 18 did not have the option of a jury trial. But that changed last year when the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that juvenile offenders should be afforded the same rights as an adult.
"Juveniles have always had the right to a type of trial, but there was only a jury trial if you were tried as an adult," Smith said. "He (Buhlke) is one who is affected by the new ruling. This will be something different, I would think it’s the first one in this county."
Buhlke pleaded not guilty to one count of felony arson in connection with the Island Park Fire. His trial is set for July 2. Two other teens have been placed on probation for their involvement.
The castle playground was built in 2004. It was insured. Work on the new playground is underway.
