GREENWOOD, Ind. — UPDATE: The Johnson County prosecutor has filed murder and criminal recklessness charges against a 13-year-old boy who allegedly shot and killed another teen inside a Greenwood home.
The Johnson County prosecutor may ask to waive the boy to adult court, but has not made that decision yet. The teens initial hearing is Nov. 26.
(NOTE: 13News is not naming the suspect at this time because he is a minor and has not been charged as an adult.)
On the morning of Friday, Nov. 15, the Marion County Coroner's Office confirmed 13-year-old James Davis died at Riley Hospital from his injuries in the shooting.
Greenwood Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Terry Terhune shared the following statement that was sent to families Thursday evening:
"Good evening, Woodmen families. This is Mrs. Merchant, proud principal at GMS. This evening, we honor a GMS student who has died tragically. His family is proud to share he was an organ donor and will help save the lives of others. As we all process this loss, GMS will provide additional support for students and staff in the coming days. If your child is unable to attend school tomorrow as they process this information, please call the front office at 317-889-4040 to report that absence. We are only able to exempt this absence if you notify the office. This is all the information we will provide out of respect for the student and family. This GMS family is in our thoughts."
Greenwood Police responded to a house on Crescent Drive, near U.S. 31 and Apryl Drive, around 1 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 to a call of an attempted suicide. The police knock on the door woke up the parents. They all discovered Davis shot inside the house.
Investigators believe six juveniles were at the house playing with a gun when one 13-year-old allegedly pointed the gun at Davis and shot him.
"We don't believe that the shooting is accidental, but it is still under investigation,” Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner said.
The prosecutor was asked if he believed that one boy intentionally shot another boy. Hamner took several seconds to consider his answer before replying.
"Until the initial hearing is held, I can't talk about what our belief is with regard to what we would charge,” Hamner said.
The initial hearing in juvenile court is scheduled for Nov. 26.
Investigators believe the rest of the group took off after the shooting. Police say the shooter called 911 approximately 20 minutes later, reporting an attempted suicide.
"It's just one of those situations that when the warnings continually come out from law enforcement to make sure the firearms are away from the kids, this is the worst-case scenario that they're talking about, and it's a tragedy for the family,” Hamner said.
Most, if not all, of the juveniles involved in the shooting attend Greenwood Middle School. Classes began at the school Monday on a two-hour delay to allow preparation for support services to students and staff.
"It's not just the families,” Hamner said. “Of course, they suffer the most. But everybody who knew these kids, they're suffering too, and the tragedy compounds itself."
The suspected shooter is being held at the Johnson County Juvenile Detention Center while the prosecutor decides what charges are appropriate and if the 13-year-old should be charged as an adult.
Hamner said he does not expect to file criminal charges against any of the other juveniles who were at the shooting.