FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The 16-year-old accused of opening fire in Fresno’s Tower District, wounding two men during a fight outside a crowded nightclub, made his first court appearance Wednesday.
The juvenile defendant appeared before a judge inside the Fresno County Juvenile Justice Center, where he denied a series of felony charges stemming from the shooting.
Because of the seriousness of the allegations, the judge allowed members of the media inside the courtroom.
The teen now faces one count of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, two counts of assault with a firearm and enhancement allegations accusing him of intentionally discharging a firearm and causing great bodily injury to two victims.
The accused shooter entered the courtroom unshackled, wearing an orange sweatshirt and blue pants. As he walked in, he glanced toward family members seated in the gallery, including his parents, uncle and cousin, and smiled before taking a seat beside his attorney.
Defense attorney Nicholas Reyes denied all charges and enhancements on the teen’s behalf.
Action News legal analyst Tony Capozzi said the juvenile court setting could significantly affect the potential consequences the defendant faces.
“As an adult, if he were convicted, looking at 15 to life, but he would have to serve the penalties on the other counts before he even got to the 15 years to life sentence,” Capozzi said.
The shooting unfolded outside the MIA Nightclub in the Tower District and was captured from several angles on cellphone video.
Footage appears to show two groups fighting on a crowded sidewalk before the suspect allegedly pulls out a handgun and begins firing.
Two men were struck by gunfire, including one person investigators have described as an innocent bystander.
Video evidence could become a central issue in the case, particularly if attorneys argue the shooting was committed in self-defense.
“The defense may bring up that this is a self-defense reaction to a fight. But again, if there’s a videotape of the entire transaction, it may be difficult to show this is a self-defense case,” Capozzi said.
The shooting sparked renewed calls from Tower District residents and business owners for increased safety measures in the entertainment district.
The 16-year-old has been ordered to remain in custody at the Juvenile Justice Center. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 17.
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