JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jacksonville's youngest murder suspect, 13-year-old Cristian Fernandez, waived his right to appear in court this morning for his pretrial hearing.
The 13 year old is being charged with first degree murder in the death of his two-year-old half-brother David.
He was arrested last year following his brother's death in March. Authorities say Fernandez was home alone with the toddler when he suffered a fractured skull, bruising to his left eye and a bleeding brain.
If convicted, Cristian could face life in prison, which some say is too harsh. That's why protestors lined the sidewalk of the Duval County courthouse before the hearing this morning.
Protestor Alicia Torres says, "I don't think he should be tried as an adult. He's a child. If you're going to let a kid go through an adult court system then you should let them vote."
Cristian was also facing sex abuse charges for allegedly molesting another child . But last week, the state of Florida dropped the sex abuse case against him.
His murder trial is set for March 4th.