Prosecutors from 8th DA’s Office : “Larimer County Transfer Hearing for Juvenile Accused in Brookstone Apartment Shooting – Loveland Reporter-Herald”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Larimer County juvenile transfer hearing
2. Brookstone apartment shooting prosecution

Prosecutors from the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office commenced a 3-day transfer hearing on Monday for a Greeley boy charged in the 2023 shooting that resulted in the death of Nasier Graham and injury of another teen. The hearing will determine if the boy, who remains unnamed, will face charges as an adult or juvenile. Expert testimonies were presented, including insights from Tyler Fittz and Sunshyne Harris, discussing youth offenders and mental health resources. Victim family members shared impact statements, describing the lasting trauma caused by the incident. The hearing is set to continue with defense witness testimonies. Two other teenagers involved in the shooting case have already entered guilty pleas or received sentencing.

Prosecutors Begin Transfer Hearing for Greeley Boy Charged in 2023 Shooting

Prosecutors from the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office have commenced a three-day transfer hearing for a Greeley boy accused of the 2023 shooting that resulted in the death of Nasier Graham and the injury of another teenager. The hearing will determine whether the unidentified boy will be tried as an adult or as a juvenile.

Expert Testimonies Shed Light on Youth Offender System

During the hearing, the prosecution called upon several witnesses, including Tyler Fittz, a program manager for the Department of Youth Services’ northeast region. Fittz provided insights into how youth offenders are processed through the system and the resources available to them. He explained that offenders sentenced to DYS can face up to seven years in a secure facility and cannot be held past the age of 21.

Additionally, Sunshyne Harris, a mental health program administrator for the Colorado Department of Corrections, discussed the mental health resources available to offenders. Brian Trujillo from Youthful Offender Services highlighted the program’s acceptance criteria and the process of transferring offenders.

Impact Statements from Victim Family Members

Following the expert testimonies, victim family members were called to share impact statements. Deanna Ballesteros, the mother of the injured teenager, described the lasting trauma her son experienced, including severe arm damage that required relearning basic tasks. Aubree Ballesteros, the victim’s sister, highlighted the emotional toll the incident took on their family.

The family of Nasier Graham also shared their grief, with Okema Bassett describing him as a young man of wisdom beyond his years. Frederico Graham, Nasier’s father, expressed the devastation caused by his son’s senseless death.

Continuation of Hearing and Previous Court Findings

The transfer hearing is set to continue over the next two days, with the defense team expected to call witnesses. The boy in question is one of three Greeley teenagers arrested in connection with the shooting at the Brookstone apartment complex in January 2023. Eighth Judicial District Court Judge Daniel McDonald previously found probable cause in the felony charges against the boy.

Vincent Zamora, another suspect in the case, has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges and is awaiting sentencing. The third teen involved, who remains unidentified, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to four years in the Department of Youth Services.

The community continues to grapple with the tragic events of that fateful night, seeking justice for the victims and closure for their families.