MARION, Ind — Thirteen-year-old Zaiden Guy appeared by Zoom as a judge read the six felony adult charges – including two counts of murder – against the teen in Grant Circuit Court Tuesday afternoon.
"Do you believe yourself to be suffering from any mental or emotional disability that would affect your ability to understand the proceedings?” Judge Mark Spitzer asked.
“No, sir,” Zaiden answered.
“And you read and write the English language?" the judge asked.
“Yes, sir," Zaiden said.
Police believe Zaiden robbed a customer inside a Marion Circle K convenience store on March 11, stealing his gun and shooting and killing the customer, 24-year-old Byron Dennis Jr.
Police told 13News they don't believe Byron and Guy knew each other.
Three of Zaiden's family members sat in the gallery for his initial hearing, watching him respond to the judge on a large monitor in the courtroom.
"I hate this,” said Zaiden’s mother, Tomika Guy, after the hearing. “This is sad for Byron's family, for our family. No one wins. No one wins. Everyone's lives were destroyed that day."
Zaiden was waived to adult court last month. His family told the judge they are trying to hire a private attorney to defend him.
"At this point, he's basically just an adult, like just out there by himself?” Tomika asked the judge at the end of the hearing.
“That's up to him in terms of how much he wants to involve you in his defense and things like that, and with the attorney as well,” Spitzer responded.
Last fiscal year in Indiana, the youngest people waived to adult court were 14 years old, and there were only two that age, according to data gathered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.
Zaiden turned 13 about a month before the shooting. His mother said he's still just a boy and not a monster.
"This child does not play with guns,” Tomika said. “I do not have guns in my home. My child does not be in the streets. He can be disrespectful, but that's with any child. But no, he's not this type of child."
Zaiden is held with no bond at a juvenile detention center in another county. His trial is scheduled for Oct. 28.