Lisa Lopez-Galvan : "16-Year-Old Chiefs Super Bowl Shooting Case Stays in Family Court"

– Charges against teenager in Chiefs Super Bowl rally shooting
– Family court handling case of 16-year-old in Chiefs rally incident.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

In a recent ruling, a Jackson County judge decided that a 16-year-old boy accused of firing a gun at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rally in February will not face prosecution as an adult. The decision was made after Jackson County Family Court Administrative Judge Jennifer Phillips reviewed evidence presented by the boy’s attorney and the Jackson County Juvenile Officer.

Following the certification proceedings, the boy, identified as A.M., was charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon and one count of resisting arrest. He was one of three juveniles charged in connection with the shooting incident that occurred at the rally.

During the certification hearing, which took place over two days in April and May, testimony was heard from various professionals, the boy’s family, and law enforcement officials. It was revealed that the shooting was triggered by an argument between two groups at the event, resulting in the tragic death of local DJ and radio host Lisa Lopez-Galvan, as well as multiple injuries, including those to children.

Factors considered in the decision

State law outlines specific factors that judges must consider when determining whether a juvenile case should be transferred to general jurisdiction court. These factors include the seriousness of the alleged offense, the presence of violence, a pattern of offenses, the child’s age, and their history.

According to A.M.’s attorney, Yashwanth Manjunath, the boy was not the aggressor in the incident and only fired his weapon in response after another individual, Lyndell Mays, fired first. Manjunath argued that A.M. is a teenager who made a mistake and requires guidance and support.

However, Monica Penrose, representing the Jackson County Juvenile Officer, contended that A.M.’s decision to possess and discharge a firearm was a conscious adult choice. She highlighted that the boy had been involved in the confrontation that led to the shooting and fired indiscriminately at Mays, who was no longer a threat.

Next steps in the case

While A.M. will not be prosecuted as an adult, a certification hearing for another juvenile involved in the shooting is scheduled to begin on July 25. Additionally, a third teen is currently detained on gun-related charges that do not meet the criteria for adult prosecution.

Overall, the decision to keep A.M.’s case within the juvenile justice system reflects the court’s recognition of the unique circumstances surrounding the incident and the need for rehabilitation and support for the young individual.