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Accused teen shooter to be prosecuted as an adult
December 10, 1997
Carneal leaves rear door of courthouse
Web posted at: 4:26 p.m. EST (2126 GMT)PADUCAH, Kentucky (CNN) -- A state court judge Wednesday ruled that 14-year-old Michael Carneal can be charged as an adult in the Heath High School shooting that left three students dead and five injured, sources told CNN.
Carneal was charged with murder, attempted murder and burglary following the December 1 shooting.
The youngster was in the McCracken County courthouse Wednesday afternoon for a hearing, where prosecutors asked that he be certified as an adult. He was previously charged as a juvenile.
Under Kentucky law, a 14-year-old who commits a crime with a gun can be tried as an adult.
In an apparent effort to avoid television cameras, Carneal was driven to the courthouse in a private pickup truck and rushed into the courthouse through a back door.
County Attorney Dan Boaz said the judge ordered that what was said in the hearing must remain confidential.
County Sheriff Frank Augustus said Wednesday that he planned to formally interview the suspect's parents, John and Ann Carneal.
Boaz
Augustus said he spoke with the boy's father on the day of the shooting, but this would be the first time the parents meet with investigators. The sheriff said he wanted to know about any unusual activities that might indicate a motive for the shooting.
An investigator told CNN that the three interviews with Carneal have revealed "a very disturbed 14-year-old who showed no remorse other than concern for his family."
Of the five injured students, all members of a school prayer group, three have been allowed to go home, but two remain in the hospital, and one remains partially paralyzed.
Augustus said the evidence in the case will be presented to a grand jury Friday. Once the grand jury hands down indictments, an arraignment hearing will follow, he said.
Message board:
Related stories:
- Prosecutors to ask Carneal be charged as adult - December 10, 1997
- Accused high school gunman goes to court Wednesday - December 9, 1997
- No more arrests expected in Kentucky school shootings - December 8, 1997
- In wake of shootings, churches offer solace, strength - December 7, 1997
- A grim march into the holiday season - December 6, 1997
Related sites:
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- McCracken County School District
- 'We Believe In Heath' - memorial site for slain students
- Heath High School
- McCracken County Sherriff's department
- PaducahNet
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