The Bel Air teen accused of killing his father then dumping the body in Aberdeen could receive the death sentence or life in prison if convicted, according to a  Harford County District Court judge.

A state prosecutor said the young man also has cases pending in juvenile court but no convictions.

Robert C. Richardson III, 16, of the 800 block of Moores Mill Road, is being charged as an adult with first-degree murder, which carries a penalty of life in prison or the death penalty. He has also been charged with second-degree murder, which carries a penalty of up to 30 years in prison and use of a handgun in commission of a felony or violent crime.

The handgun charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years and could come with five years mandatory jail time, District Court Judge John L. Dunnigan said while explaining Richardson's rights Wednesday afternoon.

Richardson appeared via a closed circuit television system for his bail review hearing in Harford County District Court Wednesday afternoon. His was the last hearing on the docket.

"Needless to say the charges are most serious," Dunnigan said during the hearing.

Richardson appeared calm and well spoken during the hearing, letting out a nervous laugh when discussing court dates with the judge.

"I did sign for a lot of things, your honor, I'm not sure if the charges were among them," Richardson said.

Richardson is a 10th grade student at C. Milton Wright High School and has lived in Harford County all his life, Assistant Public Defender Lynne McChrystal said. She also asked for a reasonable reduction to the no bail status.

Alison Carver with the state's attorney's office recounted the accusations and said the teen has pending juvenile matters in connection with burglary and illegal drugs charges.

Dunnigan took interest in the weapon asking Carver if the weapon was recovered and what kind of weapon it was.

"I am not certain if the weapon has been recovered," Carver told the judge.

McChrystal made sure Richardson knew he did not have to respond to the questions about the weapon.

Carver asked Dunnigan to hold Richardson without bail based on the nature of the charges and the allegation that he fled from police after a shooting.

Dunnigan asked if there were any motions the public defender's office wished to make, such as a competency evaluation or a motion to have Richardson waived back to juvenile status.

Assistant Public Defender Eric MacDonell rose to answer the judge's question.

"Our office has just got involved," MacDonell said.

MacDonell added his office is considering a number of options and indicated a reverse waiver or competency evaluation could be requested in the future.

After hearing from both the prosecutor and the defense attorney, Dunnigan ordered Richardson remain held without bail.

"The issues is just too serious," Dunnigan said.