Teenage Suspect in Chiefs Rally Shooting May Face Trial as an Adult
16-year-old Accused of Kansas City Mass Shooting Now Faces Felony Charges
In a recent development, a 16-year-old teenager believed to have discharged a firearm during a mass shooting at the end of the Kansas City Chiefs rally may face trial as an adult, according to the Jackson County Family Court’s announcement on Tuesday. Previously, the teen was charged with possessing a firearm and resisting arrest during the horrific incident that claimed the lives of a popular Kansas City mother and DJ and wounded more than 20 others.
On Tuesday, the charges against the teen were amended. Now, he faces the serious accusation of unlawful use of a weapon — classified as a Class B felony — for shooting a person. The court has scheduled a certification hearing for April 30 to decide whether the teenager should be tried as an adult.
Accomplice Won’t Stand Trial as an Adult
Reportedly, a second 16-year-old is still charged with possessing a firearm and resiliently resisting arrest. However, in the second teenager’s case, the court has ruled that the charges do not necessitate more severe felony charges. Consequently, he won’t be certified to stand trial as an adult.
Other Offenders Held on Serious Charges
Meanwhile, two other individuals — Lyndell Mays and Dominic Miller — face charges of second-degree murder among other felonies related to the unfortunate shooting that tragically took the life of Lisa Lopez-Galvan. The horrific event took place following Mays’ confrontation with another group of people.
After being queried about his gaze by the group, Mays purportedly informed the police about his initial hesitation to draw his weapon, realizing the presence of children in the crowd. Eventually, he still fired when he overheard a threatening statement, interpretable as a death threat, according to police reports.
The Fatal Bullet
Upon investigation, it became evident that the bullet from Miller’s gun took the life of Lopez-Galvan. The immediate linkage, if any, of the accused teenagers to the conflict involving Mays or to Miller and Mays, remains unclear.
Public Anxiety and Safety Concerns
The alarming event at the Chiefs rally and its subsequent revelations have led to a considerable increase in public anxiety and concerns about safety protocols at such large-scale events. The role of the juvenile justice system and its decisions about justice for young offenders is also under public scrutiny with many awaiting the forthcoming certification hearing.
