OKLAHOMA CITY -
He's accused of
opening fire into a crowd of people down in Bricktown last summer. And though
he was only 16 at the time, a judge has finally ruled that Avery Meyers will
stand trial as an adult for the crime.
It was near the Sonic
Headquarters and Bricktown Ballpark that shots rang out right after that
playoff game between the Thunder and the Lakers on May 21, 2012. In all eight
people were hit, including one young man who is lucky to be alive today.
2/1/2013
Related Story: Man Shot In Bricktown After Thunder Game Meets rescuer
Though most of the
people who were hit were not seriously hurt, one of them was. Norman Richards
was hit in the back and almost died. But fortunately he survived, and just
recently got to meet the paramedic, Brandon Hall, who helped save his life.
Today he had this
to say about the teen that will be tried as an adult for the shooting:
"My family and
I are happy with the outcome [and are] just looking forward to proceeding with
the trial."
2/8/2013
Related Story: Teen Accused Of Shooting In Bricktown To Be Tried As An Adult
Meyers was 16 at
the time of the shooting, and according to court records, he confessed to
pulling the trigger. The public defenders assigned to his case tried to get him
certified as a juvenile, but the state
fought that,
saying Meyers showed a "lack of empathy" and showed a "high risk for future
violence", and got doctors to back them up.
They also presented
evidence that Meyers "intended to return to gang life" once he completed his 15-month
juvenile program and referred to himself as a "modern day Tupac".
And in the finding
of fact and conclusions of law document filed today, the judge states this case
"could have been even worse" and "could have easily cost the lives of many
people". He goes on to write that he feels that the public would not be
adequately protected if Meyers were to be sentenced as a youthful offender.
That court
document also showed Meyers had several violent run-ins at school and even
while in jail awaiting the outcome of this case. Meyers next court date is set
for March. A trial date has not yet been set.
5/29/2013 Related Story: Teenager Arrested In Bricktown Shooting
Charged
Avery Meyers was 16 at the time of the shooting.
Brandon Hall (Center), Norman Richards, (Left)
