Man accused of Adriel’s murder | News

A 38-year-old man was charged Monday with the sexual assault and murder of 12-year-old Adriel Moxey.

Adriel, a seventh-grade student at Anatol Rodgers Middle School, was found raped and murdered in the bushes near her home on November 20.

Prosecutors allege Chris Ferguson, of Misty Shores, illegally detained the preteen on Nov. 18 with the intent to have sexual relations with her. He is accused of strangling and raping Adriel and leaving her in the bushes.

Ferguson is charged under a section of the Penal Code that would allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty.

He was not asked to plead guilty to the charges and was refused bail when he first appeared before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley.

Ferguson did not have a lawyer and asked the magistrate to appoint one for him.

Reckley told Ferguson that a lawyer would be appointed to the Supreme Court.

The matter has been adjourned until May 1, 2025 for the filing of a voluntary indictment.

Adriel was last seen alive around 6 pm on Monday, November 18, according to police.

His mother reported him missing the next morning and Adriel’s body was found a day later.

A 32-year-old man was arrested in connection with her murder last month but was later ruled out as a suspect.

Adriel was laid to rest earlier this month after an emotional funeral at Restoration Kingdom Ministries on Faith Avenue South.