KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Mendota Teen Pleads Not Guilty In 4-Year-Old's Death

Mendota Teen Pleads Not Guilty In 4-Year-Old's Death

A Mendota teen, accused of murdering his four-year-old neighbor, entered a not guilty plea inside a Fresno County Courtroom on Tuesday.

14-year-old Raul Castro is facing first degree murder, kidnapping, sodomy and child molestation charges for the October 30th murder of little Alex Mercado, whose body was discovered inside Castro's dryer.

In a affidavit obtained by KMPH News, investigators interviewed the teen who said he lured his four-year-old neighbor into his apartment, by telling him he had something to show him.

Once the two were in the bathroom, the court affidavit says Castro sodomized Alex Mercado. He later drowned Mercado, after the child, who fell and hit his head, told Castro he was going to tell his mother.

 During the court hearing a request was made to the judge on Castro's behalf to allow his brother to visit him while in custody. That request is still being looked over.

 Castro is being charged as an adult, he is expected back in court for a preliminary hearing on December 15th.

 Stay with KMPH and KMPH.com as we continue to follow this story.