Son of sheriff's deputy charged in Mich. slaying

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – The son of a Michigan sheriff's deputy who police say admitted killing a 16-year-old girl has been charged with murder.

Seventeen-year-old Robert Schwander was charged as an adult Thursday with first-degree murder in the death of Carly Lewis.

He has pleaded not guilty. Defense attorney Clarence Gomery tells The Associated Press that Schwander has called Lewis' death an accident and recognizes the "seriousness and potential consequences."

Schwander faces life in prison if convicted.

Investigators say they believe Schwander killed Lewis June 2 in a vacant building and moved her body to a sand pile at a public works site two days later.

The Grand Traverse County sheriff's department issued a statement saying Schwander's father is on paid administrative leave and that the case is "especially difficult" for the department.