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Judge rules to keep 12-year-old boy accused of capital murder in state facility


Kimberly Rubio, assistant editor

Following a Monday afternoon detention hearing, Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell determined there was enough probable cause to detain the 12-year-old male accused of shooting and killing professional boxer John VanMeter for an additional 10 days.

The juvenile, who last week was transferred to a juvenile detention center in Jourdanton, will return to the facility. After 10 days, the juvenile will return to Uvalde to determine if he will be released to a parent or guardian, or held for an additional 10 days.

According to Mitchell, the case will eventually be transferred to the 38th Judicial District due to the nature of the crime.

The juvenile is being represented by defense attorney Ted Rodriguez Jr. with Rodriguez Law Firm out of Carrizo Springs.

The whole event is a tragedy for this community,” Rodriguez said as he stood on the steps of the Uvalde County Courthouse. “…I don’t know what a 12 year old knows about capital murder, what he is being charged with, but we are helping him as much as we can and we are going to defend him as much as we can.”

Along with members of the juvenile’s family, members of the victim’s family also gathered in the courtroom, which was closed to the public.

Speaking after the hearing, VanMeter’s aunt, Ashley Corral, said she takes comfort in knowing that VanMeter was defending the children in the home.

I wasn’t sure at first but now I am 100 percent certain John was protecting the children in that home,” Corral said, noting that inside the courtroom it was revealed that the juvenile made a threat against VanMeter’s girlfriend’s son, his former friend.

Corral said she learned the threat was made two weeks prior to the shooting.

They hung out outside and inside the home and he did stay with them for a while,” Corral said.

Corral said she has her doubts about the legal system following the hearing but hopes for justice.

I have to trust the legal system. I am praying they don’t let me down. I believe in God and I believe God is a God of justice,” Corral said.

Corral said the reason more family was not present at the hearing was due to VanMeter’s 11 a.m. funeral service at Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home.

There were so many people there. People were waiting in the hallway, waiting out on the street… Uvalde really showed up for my family. I am so proud of Uvalde,” she said.

The shooting occurred Jan. 23 just before 8 p.m. at 624 Boone St., where police say VanMeter resided with his girlfriend. His girlfriend’s two children were also present at the time of the shooting.

VanMeter was taken to Uvalde Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 8:43 p.m.

According to the department, witnesses reported seeing a male subject fleeing the area dressed in all black clothing and wearing a black bandana across the lower part of his face. The male subject was said to have headed east toward Grove Street.

The juvenile, a Flores Elementary School Student, is charged with capital murder. According to VanMeter’s girlfriend, Sammy Chapa, the juvenile previously lived at the Boone Street residence due to a troubled childhood.

 

 

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