DENVER — Denver prosecutors have charged a 13-year-old boy with multiple counts of murder, attempted murder, and other charges related to a fatal shooting that happened on an RTD bus late last month.
The shooting happened on the bus near South Federal Boulevard and West Mississippi Avenue in Denver around 6:40 p.m. on Jan. 27. According to Denver Police (DPD), 60-year-old Richard Sanchez was shot multiple times and died from injuries. Another person was wounded but had injuries that were not life-threatening, DPD said.
Investigators believe the incident began as an argument between the suspect and Sanchez about Sanchez's leg blocking the aisle, which ended with the suspect shooting Sanchez.
The suspect, who is not being identified due to his age, was taken into custody five days after the shooting. Prosecutors have charged him with 14 counts. They include:
- Six counts of first-degree murder (multiple different theories)
- Endangering public transport threat crew
- At-risk-assault - extreme indifference
- First-degree assault- extreme indifference
- Firearm/explosive on public transport
- Disorderly conduct discharge of firearm
- Weapon-prohibited use-reckless w/gun
- Handgun possession by juvenile
- Violent juvenile offender-used weapon
Nine of the 14 counts are felonies.
Due to his age, a transfer hearing would be required to move his case from juvenile court to adult court. That process typically takes time and, according to the DA's office, "a number of issues" have to be considered before any decision about transferring the case is made.
The suspect is currently being held at a youth detention facility without bond and is due in court on March 8.
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