Rodriguez was formally charged Monday with the three murder counts, in addition to one count of first-degree burglary and another for second-degree burglary. She is expected to appear in court Wednesday to establish a date for a preliminary hearing.

Despite not pulling the trigger, Rodriguez is being charged with murder because the deaths of her accomplices occurred while she was in commission of a felony, authorities said.

Elliott reiterated during the conference that Rodriguez was familiar with the Peters home and chose it to target because she believed there were valuables inside. The group actually targeted the property earlier that day, the first time breaking into the unattached garage and stealing liquor and some electronic equipment.

The decision was soon made to search the main home for more valuables, Elliott said. He would not say how much time passed between the two break-ins, but clarified they occurred the same day.

The investigation also revealed the group had reportedly cased other houses in the neighborhood, which has experienced multiple burglaries in recent months, before deciding on the Peters residence.

Elliott said he hopes the tragedy will teach other youths a lesson that life is about making the right choices.