next Image 1 of 2

prev Image 2 of 2

The Connecticut teenager accused of fatally stabbing a classmate was charged as an adult Tuesday and bail was set at $3 million.

Christopher Plaskon, 16, was charged with murder and could face up to 60 years in prison for allegedly stabbing 16-year-old Maren Sanchez in a hallway of Jonathan Law High School in Milford on Friday, just hours before she was to attend the junior prom.

He was originally charged with murder as a juvenile offender and has been hospitalized under psychiatric evaluation.

Plaskon went before the Juvenile Court Tuesday in a session held at the medical facility where he is being held under an emergency commitment order. His case was transferred to an adult docket of the Connecticut Superior Court and a session was held later in the day.

He was then advised of his rights before he was charged and bail was set at $3 million, although it could be reduced at a subsequent hearing.

He will continue to receive psychiatric treatment while in the custody of the Department of Corrections, as ordered by the judge.

Plaskon will have a formal arraignment Friday, provided that he is released from emergency psychiatric hold according to an attorney for the suspect's family.

The boy’s family released a statement on Tuesday saying they join the community in mourning the victim as they struggle to understand what led to the crime.

The relatives said their hearts are "forever broken."

“Words can only fall short in conveying the depth and breadth of the raw sadness we are left with by this unimaginable tragedy. Our hearts are forever broken as we, like you, struggle to understand,” reads the statement, first published on Milford Now.

In the statement, the Plaskons say they offered their deepest sympathies to the Sanchez family. They also thanked extended family, friends and neighbors for reaching out to them in what they called their "darkest hour."

“To the Sanchez family, our deepest sympathies. Please know that you are now, and forever, in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers. We join with the entire Milford community to celebrate the life and mourn the loss of this most vibrant and exceptional young woman,” The statement also reads.

"To our extended family, friends and neighbors and all who have reached out to us in our darkest hour with warmth, kindness, understanding and compassion, you cannot know how much it has meant to us. Thank you."

The Associated Press contributed to this report