The victim: 28‑year‑old Jake Hieu Quoc Nguyen, a Marine veteran working as a rideshare (Uber) driver in Harris County, Texas, was found shot and killed on Sept. 4.

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The victim: 28‑year‑old Jake Hieu Quoc Nguyen, a Marine veteran working as a rideshare (Uber) driver in Harris County, Texas, was found shot and killed on Sept. 4. FOX 26 Houston+1
Crimes alleged: The three teens accused allegedly shot him, stole his vehicle and property, and fled the scene. FOX 26 Houston+3FOX 26 Houston+3FOX 26 Houston+3
Ages and charges:
- 15‑year‑old: charged with capital murder. FOX 26 Houston+2FOX 26 Houston+2
- 14‑year‑old & 13‑year‑old: charged with tampering with evidence (a third‑degree felony). FOX 26 Houston+1

What the attorney told FOX 26 & what it means

An attorney (Mike Schneider) interviewed by FOX 26 explained how things could play out in court: FOX 26 Houston

For the 15‑year‑old (capital murder charge):
- Because he is older than 14, the District Attorney has (in Texas) the option to seek certification / waiver of juvenile jurisdiction and try him in the adult criminal system. FOX 26 Houston
- If tried in the juvenile system instead, his maximum sentence would be up to 40 years under juvenile law, possibly with a later transfer to adult prison or parole once he reaches adulthood. FOX 26 Houston
- Even if transferred to adult court, he would not be eligible for the death penalty (due to his juvenile status), but a life sentence is possible if the jury or judge deems it appropriate, considering his age. FOX 26 Houston
For the 14‑year‑old (tampering charge):
- He is charged with a felony (third degree), which carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years. FOX 26 Houston
- The attorney noted that, under current law, the 13‑year‑old cannot be tried as an adult. FOX 26 Houston
- The 14‑year‑old could be considered for transfer to adult court, though that would be more exceptional given the nature of the charge and his age, and it’s ultimately at the DA’s discretion whether to ask for that or not. FOX 26 Houston
The attorney emphasized that certification (i.e. waiving juvenile court in favor of adult court) would require a hearing, and the court would weigh factors such as the seriousness of the offense, the juvenile’s amenability to rehabilitation, prior record, etc. FOX 26 Houston

State law on juvenile transfer / certification: In Texas, for certain serious crimes committed by minors over a threshold age, prosecutors may ask a court to waive juvenile jurisdiction so that the case proceeds in adult criminal court.
Discretion of DA: Even when legally permissible, it is a prosecutorial decision whether to seek adult transfer. The DA’s office may decide based on factors like age, crime severity, prior record, public interest, plea negotiations, and the strength of evidence.
Court hearing: If the DA seeks certification, there would usually be a hearing in which defense will challenge and the court must decide whether the juvenile should be sent to adult court.
Sentencing limits for juveniles: Even if transferred, certain punishments are off the table (e.g. the death penalty) because of constitutional protections for minors. The court and jury may also consider the defendant’s age and developmental status.
Appeals and motions: Defense could appeal a certification decision or argue for mitigation, suppression of evidence, etc.