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Teens charged in 'The Jungle' murders plead not guilty

James and Jerome Taafulisia are charged as adults with two counts of first degree murder and three counts of first degree assault.
Credit: KING 5 News
Jerome and James Taafulisia.

SEATTLE – Two brothers charged with murdering two people at The Jungle homeless camp pleaded not guilty Thursday.

James Taafulisia, 17, and Jerome Taafulisia, 16, are charged as adults with two counts of first degree murder and three counts of first degree assault. They face up to 113 years in prison if convicted.

Their 13-year-old brother is also charged but as a juvenile. If convicted, he could be in prison until his 21st birthday

Prosecutors say the motive was to rob a small-time drug dealer of about $100 worth of heroin and several hundred dollars in cash.

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