By Trend News Line 2024-06-13 09:12:06.
Teen Pleads Guilty in Asheville Shooting Incident
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In a recent court case that shocked the residents of Asheville, a juvenile, Ja’Woun De’Shun Hackett, pleaded guilty to charges related to a shooting incident that took place at the end of Asheville’s Juneteenth Festival in Pack Square Park. The incident, which occurred on June 17, 2023, left two juveniles with serious gunshot wounds.
Details of the Incident
During the Juneteenth Festival, Hackett, who was 16 years old at the time, fired shots at two juveniles in Pack Square Park, wearing distinctive clothing that matched the description provided by witnesses. The Asheville Police Department responded promptly and arrested Hackett, recovering a stolen firearm from the scene.
Investigations revealed that Hackett was involved in a fight with the victims, and forensic evaluation linked the firearm used in the shooting to a gun stolen from a vehicle in Macon County. The incident highlighted the issue of improperly stored guns contributing to youth gun violence in Buncombe County.
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Prosecution as an Adult
Hackett, originally facing charges in juvenile court, was indicted to Superior Court to be prosecuted as an adult due to the severity of the offenses. North Carolina’s laws regarding the prosecution of minors as adults have recently undergone changes, with the Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Act raising the age of criminal responsibility to 18.
The Future of Juvenile Justice
A pending bill in North Carolina, known as House Bill 834 or “Juvenile Justice Modifications,” could impact how 16- and 17-year-olds facing felony charges are prosecuted in the future. The bill proposes automatic placement in adult court for certain felony offenses, with provisions for transferring D and E felonies to juvenile court.
Recognition for Heroic Actions
The victims of the shooting were aided by probation and parole officer Kalla Hughley, who applied life-saving measures to one of the injured juveniles before medical responders arrived. Hughley’s quick response earned her the Bronze Medal of Honor from One Voice United, recognising her heroic actions in saving the victims’ lives.
Sentencing and Rehabilitation
In the court proceedings, Hackett was sentenced to a term in N.C. State Prisons followed by supervised probation. The sentencing included provisions for community service, educational requirements, and restrictions on contact with the victims. The goal of the sentence is to provide Hackett with the support and structure needed to prevent future involvement in the criminal justice system.
Moving Forward
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the shooting incident, there are ongoing discussions about youth gun violence and the importance of gun safety measures. The case serves as a reminder of the impact of firearms in the hands of minors and the need for preventive measures to ensure the safety of all residents in Asheville.
Ryley Ober, the Public Safety Reporter for Asheville Citizen Times, continues to follow developments in the case and provides updates on the progress of juvenile justice reforms in North Carolina. Stay informed by following her on Twitter @ryleyober and reaching out via email at rober@gannett.com..
juneteenth festival asheville shooting teenager sentenced adult.
