USA - A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the death of a four-year-old boy whose body was found in a clothes dryer at the teen's home in Mendota, California.

Prosecutors have filed murder and other charges against the 14-year-old accused in the death of a four-year-old neighbour, AP reported.

Fresno County District Attorney Elizabeth Egan says the 14-year-old was charged as an adult Tuesday. Egan says the teen also is facing charges of sodomy, kidnapping and murder of a witness to prevent testimony.

He is due to be arraigned Wednesday morning. Prosecutors say if eventually convicted, he could be sentenced to life in prison.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims says the body of four-year-old Alex Christopher Mercado was found Saturday in the 14-year-old's family home .

Earlier Tuesday, Fresno County authorities said Alex was drowned before being stuffed in the dryer.