RED BLUFF — The man accused of stabbing two teens in 2022 at a Corning Quinceanera party had a court appearance Tuesday, where a fitness hearing was scheduled for Jan.11, 2024.

This hearing will determine if Steele Andrew Stewart should remain in juvenile court or if the case should move to adult court.

Assistant District Attorney James D. Waugh states that his office’s position is that he should be tried as an adult.

“Ultimately, that decision will be made by the juvenile court judge after listening to witnesses and evidence,” he added. “The next court date is January 3, 2024, for confirmation of the fitness hearing on January 11, 2024.”

The alleged crime took place on April 16, 2022. Law enforcement was called to the party at 25798 Ohio Ave. in Corning. A 14-year-old boy was found with multiple stab wounds to his torso. Another boy, 15, was stabbed in the back with at least two wounds. Both were taken to the hospital. The 14-year-old died the following day.

Stewart, then 17, was arrested the following afternoon at a West Street home. Law enforcement reported witnesses identified him, and video evidence corroborated their identification. He was taken into custody without incident.

The D.A.’s Office charged him as an adult with first-degree premeditated, willful and deliberate murder with the use of a deadly weapon.

Additional charges included attempted first-degree premeditated, willful and deliberate murder with the use of a deadly weapon and causing great bodily injury, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and two misdemeanors counts of exhibiting a deadly weapon.

In 2022, Stewart waived his right to a speedy preliminary hearing so that it could be scheduled for Oct. 25, 2022. He pleaded not guilty to the crime.