Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE -- Gwinnett County Jail officials are trying to figure out how the youngest of six inmates suspected of killing a Norcross teen obtained a key that unlocks handcuffs.

Acting on a tip, Sheriff's Department deputies searched Atlanta resident Reco West's cell on Friday and later determined that he was hiding the key in his mouth, Lt. Sean Smith, department spokesman, said Monday. West and his five alleged coconspirators were in court at the jail for a lengthy probable cause hearing that afternoon.

"It's still unclear how the inmate secured the key or how long he has been hiding it," Smith said.

West turned 20 years old in jail Saturday, the day of 15-year-old Nicolas Jackson's funeral in Norcross.

West and the others were arrested about a mile from Jackson's home near downtown Norcross on Feb. 2, minutes after burglars reportedly stormed the home's basement and fired into Jackson's bedroom, killing him. Ages for the other suspects range from 23 to 46.

A judge on Friday bound burglary and felony murder charges against all six men to Gwinnett Superior Court for trial.

West will face an additional felony charge of crossing guard lines with prohibited items. Smith said officials are investigating how he came to possess a handcuff key.