The state Superior Court has agreed to hear an appeal in the case of a 12-year-old boy charged with killing his father's pregnant fiance, the boy's attorney said today.

The court granted a request from attorneys Dennis A. Elisco and David Acker to review a Lawrence County judge's decision that their young client be tried as an adult.

Jordan Brown was 11 when, prosecutors say, he fatally shot Kenzie Houk, 26, with a 20-gauge shotgun as she slept in their New Beaver farmhouse in February 2009. Her unborn son, who was nearly full term, also died.

Judge Dominick Motto in March ruled that he would stand trial as an adult, saying he would not likely be rehabilitated in the juvenile system by his 21st birthday. Among other considerations, Judge Motto said the boy would be less amenable to juvenile treatment because, according to expert testimony, he will not accept responsibility for the crime, though a defendant does not have to admit guilt to be tried as a juvenile.

The Superior Court has not set a date to hear the appeal, Mr. Acker said this afternoon. He said the court's decision was a "step in the right direction."

"It's a good first step," Mr. Acker said. "But it's only a first step."

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