Wednesday, December 30th 2020, 6:35 pm
A metro teenager could spend life in prison for murder even though he did not pull the trigger in the killing of 15-year-old Stavian Rodriguez. The Oklahoma County District Attorney recently charged Wyatt Cheatham, 17, in connection to the death of Rodriguez.
The attorney representing Rodriguez’s mother in a civil case against Oklahoma City said on Wednesday, the murder charge added to the already tragic situation. Rand Eddy said they are still awaiting the outcome of the investigation into the five officers who fired at and killed the teenager last month.
Oklahoma City police officials said they are still working the internal investigation of the five officers who fired at Rodriguez.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma County DA charged the teen's accomplice with first-degree murder. A decision Eddy was not expecting.
Related: Teen Suspect Charged With Murder In Stavian Rodriguez Death
“You know I had an inkling it might happen,” said Eddy, attorney. “It was a decision Mr. Prater would have to make.”
Court documents put Rodriguez and Cheatham together in an armed robbery at a southside convenience store on Nov. 23 that led to the deadly officer-involved shooting.
According to state law, a person can be charged with murder if they are committing a felony at the time of the killing.
“Technically there might be a case for felony murder,” said Eddy. “As far as my client is concerned and myself representing her, we’re more interested in a decision on the criminality of the conduct of the police officers who shot Stavian.”
Bystander video showed Rodriguez had a gun but appeared to follow police commands by putting it on the ground. Moments later officers fired at him.
Read: OKC Teen Fatally Shot By Police Appeared To Have Put The Weapon On The Ground
While police investigate on their end, Eddy is working to bring justice for Rodriguez's family.
“In the meantime,” said Eddy. “We’re going to continue to work on the lawsuit, preparing it.”
Police officials said the five officers have not returned to full duty yet.
Related Stories:
Mother Of Teen Killed By OCPD Seeks Justice Through Forthcoming Lawsuit
Groups Hold Protest Following Police Killing Of OKC Teenager
Jennifer Pierce is an Emmy-award-winning reporter for News 9 and has been on staff since 2017. While most days, she covers crime in the metro and court cases, she enjoys telling the stories of Native Americans in Oklahoma. Jennifer is a proud member of the Choctaw Nation. She takes pride in the success her tribe and the many other tribes in Oklahoma have gained in recent years.
December 30th, 2020
February 1st, 2025
January 11th, 2025
February 15th, 2025
February 15th, 2025
February 15th, 2025
February 15th, 2025