Murder of 9-Year-Old Girl Sparked by Anger: Prosecutors

Prosecutors say a suburban Philadelphia man accused of killing his 9-year-old neighbor had been angry at the girl and said he wanted to “snap” her neck.

Twenty-four-year-old Souderton resident James Lee Troutman is charged with first-degree murder in the May 9 death of Skyler Rae Kauffman. Authorities say she was choked and beaten to death.

Prosecutors say in court papers filed Thursday that Troutman believed Kauffman had gotten him in trouble in connection with an incident at his apartment the month before. Court papers allege Troutman told a friend he was angry at Kauffman and wanted to “snap” her neck.

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman wants the alleged statement allowed as trial evidence.

Defense attorney William Craig Penglase says mental health will be an issue in the case.