“First Degree Murder Charge Dismissed for 15-Year-Old Accused in Choctaw Shooting: Cordea Carter”

– Attorneys say no evidence tying teen charged with murder to Choctaw football shooting
– Attorneys say no evidence tying teen charged with murder to shooting at Choctaw football game.

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The Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office has made a significant decision in the case involving the fatal shooting that took place during the Choctaw vs. Del City football game in August. The First Degree Murder charge against a 15-year-old who was previously accused of shooting another teen has been dismissed.

During the third quarter of the game, chaos erupted as multiple gunshots were fired, causing panic among the crowd on August 25, 2023. As a result of the incident, four individuals sustained injuries, including 43-year-old Demetrize Carter, who was shot in the chest by an off-duty Del City Police Officer working security at the game. Tragically, 16-year-old Cordea Carter was fatally shot in the leg, according to the Oklahoma State Medical Examiner’s Office.

Following the shooting, a 15-year-old was quickly apprehended and charged with First Degree Murder in relation to Carter’s death. The teen was identified as the shooter by a witness. However, the witness has since recanted their identification, leading to the dismissal of the charges against the 15-year-old. It is important to note that the dismissal is without prejudice, which means that charges can potentially be refiled.

Jaye Mendros, an attorney representing the 15-year-old, expressed relief regarding the dismissal, stating that her client can now attempt to resume his life. Mendros, along with co-counsel John Martino, highlighted the abundance of physical evidence that did not implicate their client. The gun used in the shooting was subjected to DNA testing, which did not yield any traces of the 15-year-old’s DNA. Instead, the DNA of the victim and another unidentified individual was found on the weapon, effectively exonerating the accused. Additionally, the witness who initially identified the 15-year-old contradicted the accounts of 14 other witnesses who described a tall male wearing red sweatpants as the perpetrator.

The attorneys also raised concerns about the handling of the investigation. They pointed out that law enforcement conducted 20 to 30 interviews and discovered 10 to 15 other weapons at the football game. They criticized the lack of security measures, as there were no metal detectors at the stadium entrance. The return of firearms to individuals without proper collection as evidence hindered the investigation further.

Mendros and Martino expressed bewilderment over how law enforcement fixated on their client, referring to him by the nickname “Bullet” without substantial evidence. They emphasized the importance of thorough investigations and corroborating evidence before making an arrest based solely on eyewitness testimony.

While the District Attorney’s Office declined an on-camera interview due to the ongoing investigation, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation confirmed that they are actively reviewing the case. Mendros and Martino acknowledged the damage caused to their client’s reputation and revealed that the family plans to relocate due to numerous death threats.

Although the shooter has not yet been identified, the attorneys remain hopeful that the responsible individual will be found. They also highlighted the need for fairness and protection for their client, as well as the importance of not rushing to judgment on social media.

In conclusion, the dismissal of the First Degree Murder charge against the 15-year-old accused of the fatal shooting in Choctaw has raised questions about the investigation’s thoroughness and the need for proper evidence before making an arrest. The case continues to be under review, and the search for the shooter is ongoing..

– Attorneys say no evidence tying teen charged with murder to Choctaw football shooting
– Attorneys claim no evidence linking teen charged with murder to Choctaw football shooting.