Cousins charged with murder face judge

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Teenage cousins accused of killing a homeless man in an alley faced a judge, Thursday morning.

Juan Xolo, 17, and Jose Carlos llano, 14, have been charged with second-degree murder after Hallandale Beach Police said they confessed to beating and fatally stabbing the 30-year-old victim with a pen.

Both juveniles are being held at the Broward County Jail without bond.

The brutal crime happened outside the Advance Auto Parts store near North Federal Highway just east of Hallandale Beach Boulevard, around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Police said Xolo and llano were caught at the scene of the crime. Investigators believe a dispute involving money led to the murder.

Officials said the victim, who carried a laptop around with him, was well-known in the neighborhood.

It is unknown, at this time, if the cousins will be charged as adults. "Both children will be reviewed by the State Attorney's Office, and the State Attorney's Office will make a determination as to where their case will land, whether it be in juvenile court or adult court," said Assistant Public Defender Gordon Weekes.

The victim has not been identified.

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