Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Teen Murder Case Headed to Mediation in Owensboro
Peiyton A. Smith, a 17-year-old teenager, is facing murder charges for the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Demarion Black in June 2023. The tragic incident took place on June 24, 2023, in the 1800 block of Hughes Avenue in Owensboro, Kentucky. According to reports from the Owensboro Police Department, Black sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Legal Proceedings
Smith, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, is also being charged with possession of a handgun by a minor and trafficking in marijuana. The case has since made its way to Daviess Circuit Court, with Smith appearing before Judge Jay Wethington for a suppression hearing. Smith’s attorney, Evan Taylor, filed a motion to suppress statements and evidence in November, leading to the decision for the prosecution and defense to enter into mediation.
Mediation Process
Mediation is an informal process aimed at resolving disputes between parties with the help of a neutral third party, the mediator. Retired Judge Joe Castlen has been assigned as the mediator for this case, and the mediation is expected to take place in the coming weeks. If both sides reach an agreement through mediation, the case will be resolved without going to trial.
Future Proceedings
If mediation is successful, the attorneys will request a date to enter a plea and settle the case. However, if mediation fails to produce an agreement, the case will proceed to trial in front of Judge Wethington. The ultimate decision-making authority rests with the parties involved, not the mediator.
Conclusion
The community in Owensboro awaits the outcome of the mediation process, hoping for a resolution that brings closure to the tragic events of June 2023. As the legal proceedings continue, the search for justice for Demarion Black remains at the forefront of everyone’s minds.
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