A 10-year-old boy accused of killing his 2-year-old cousin will not remain in jail while awaiting trial, an Ocala judge ruled Friday morning.

  • 10-year-old boy charged with aggravated manslaughter
  • He's accused of killing 2-year-old cousin
  • Boy transferred to detention facility while awaiting trial

The boy, who is charged with aggravated manslaughter in the death of Journee Blyden, will remain in home detention at the Heart of Florida Youth Ranch in Citra. He is expected to be transferred later in the day.

The judge also ruled that the 10-year-old should be supervised and will not be allowed near younger children. The judge is allowing the boy supervised visits with his 9-year-old sister, who is also in the facility.

Earlier this month, detectives went to the Ocala home where the 10-year-old lived. The boy told investigators that he fell down while holding his 2-year-old cousin. However, a medical examiner ruled Journee's death a homicide.

Celeste Snyder with the State Attorney’s Office described what it’s like having a 10-year-old defendant.

“It’s tough, but we’re doing the best job that we can, keeping in mind that he is a young and immature 10-year-old," Snyder said. "He was 9 years old when the event happened. So we’re trying to work with him. We all have children, so we’re trying to use those skills in helping him through this.”

The 10-year-old will remain at the Heart of Florida Youth Ranch until his next status hearing, scheduled for Oct. 27.

NOTE: Per News 13’s crime guidelines, we are not disclosing the name of the 10-year-old boy because he is a minor.