By JESSICA SIEFF
Niles Daily Star

Dakotah Eliason’s attorney Lanny Fisher confirmed Friday his client is under suicide watch, as he continues to be held in the custody of the Berrien County Juvenile Center in St. Joseph.

Eliason, 14, returned to the juvenile center after appearing in a Niles courtroom Friday morning, his first physical appearance since his arrest Sunday. He is charged with open murder of his grandfather, Jesse Miles.

Fisher said Friday morning Eliason appeared very “withdrawn” and showed obvious concern for the well being of his client.

Later, he confirmed that officials at the juvenile center had communicated that “they think he is a risk” to himself.

Fisher said a video camera had been placed in Eliason’s room and that a “live human being” was checking on him every 15 minutes.

This is just the latest example of the stark contrast many seem to be seeing in the Niles High School freshman, who has never been in trouble with the law before and has always been seen as kind and “extremely loving” by his family.

Eliason’s parents have been unable to visit with their son since his arrest and won’t be able to see him until Sunday.

A pre-exam has been scheduled for March 22.