SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Convicted killer Anthony Hutchens will continue his 64-year sentence but is now being moved from a juvenile detention to an adult prison.  

 19-year-old Hutchens molested and killed 6-year-old Grace Ross in 2021, and he was convicted to 64 years in prison back in 2023. At the time of the murder, Hutchens was 14.  

 Part of his sentencing allowed the case to be revisited, and Ross's family was terrified Friday's hearing would give the convicted felon an easier sentence.  

 Judge Sanfard stated he believes all people can be redeemed but has not seen any improvement from Hutchens and says he's not fit to be in the community yet.  

 As a result, Hutchens will move from juvenile detention to adult prison, but Judge Sanfard says he will have probation at the Department of Correction. Hutchens' attorney Jeff Kimmell clarified this decision, telling ABC57 News:

 "This leaves open the possibility of a future change in placement if the Court believes that the circumstances change and it is safe for Mr. Hutchens to be released to a lesser form of confinement at some point short of the full sentence."

 Ross's family says they are happy with the decision.  

 "I'll be here again," Grace Ross's grandmother says in regard to the Court deciding it's time to re-evaluate Hutchens' sentencing.

 "As long as I'm breathing, I will stand up for Grace and speak where she can't speak for her justice."

 Ross's mother wrote a letter that was read aloud by a representative during the hearing. With cries in the background, the letter says she can't understand how someone could inflict that kind of pain onto a kid and asks the court to remember that the victim's family is just trying to stay alive.  

 "We're the ones – her family, her loved ones – we're the ones that got the life sentence, Ross's grandmother says."

 After the hearing, Ross's family gathered outside to better understand the verdict, and Michelle Ross – Grace Ross's mother -- says that no decision will bring her daughter back. She just wants the community to never forget her daughter.  

 "She was the sassiest little girl [with] the biggest smile" Ross says.  

 "Everybody knew her name, even if you didn't know her, everybody was her best friend. You could meet her one time, and you'd know everything about her."