AURORA, Colo. — The 18-year-old man accused of shooting and killing a teen at the Town Center at Aurora Friday afternoon is being held without bond following a court appearance Monday morning.
Kamyl Xavier Garrette was arrested on charges of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Nathan Poindexter.
The Crowley Foundation, an educational and leadership organization for youth, confirmed the victim's identity as Poindexter on Saturday morning.
"The fact that he’s not here doesn’t seem real," said Kenneth Crowley Sr., a mentor to Poindexter and the founder of the Crowley Foundation. "He had an awesome future. He could’ve been anything that he wanted to be, done anything he wanted to do, gone anywhere he wanted to go."
Crowley started the foundation to mentor young men and teach leadership skills. Poindexter had been a part of the mentorship program for years and had grown into a leader. Now Crowley is left wondering how gun violence took one of his most promising kids.
"Everybody is looking for answers. His family is at a loss. Our organization is at a loss. We had big plans for Nate," said Crowley. "Only thing we know is he was at the mall with his family and this happened."
The shooting happened inside the first level of the J.C. Penney around 4 p.m., according to Officer Anthony Camacho with the Aurora Police Department (APD).
Aurora's newly named interim police chief Vanessa Wilson said there was an argument between two groups of people prior to the shooting. She also said on Monday that there's an increased police presence at the shopping center as a result of the shooting.
Officers who were working at the mall responded to a report of gunshots and found the victim, who was transported to a local hospital where he later died, Camacho said.
People shopping at the mall at the time of the shooting were asked to shelter in place for about 20-30 minutes, Camacho said.
Camacho said no one else was injured during the shooting.
Crowley doesn't know the motive. He just has questions about how a young life came to an abrupt end.
"That’s what hurts the most. That he didn’t get to maximize his full potential. We’re not going to be able to witness his true greatness," said Crowley. "It’s a big loss. It’s a big loss for this community. We’re at a loss for words."
Garrette is due back in court on Jan. 6 where charges are expected to be filed.
APD will meet with mall officials later this week to address safety concerns at the shopping center.
Town Center at Aurora is located at 14200 E Alameda Ave.
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