Teen Accused Of Killing Friend To Remain Behind Bars
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FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) -- A 14-year old Cooper City boy accused of shooting and killing his friend will remain in juvenile detention.
Broward Judge Elijah Williams made the ruling Friday morning in the case of Eric Palacios who is charged with manslaughter in the death of Charlie Martin of Sunrise.
In late July, Broward Sheriff's Office said Palacios pulled out his stepfather's gun kept in a box in the garage and passed it around to Martin and Martin's brother who were visiting the home for the day.
Palacios is accused of firing the gun and shooting Martin in the head.
A 911 caller heard Palacios and Martin's brother running away hysterically from the house.
Prosecutor Maria Schneider was outspoken on the issue of unsecured guns.
"I'm in this position way too often," said Schneider.
Palacios attorney insists it was an accident.
"Our prayers go out to the Martin family. We are disappointed but hope he will be out soon and lead a normal life," said the attorney.
He will be released from juvenile detention next Thursday if the prosecutor does not decide to charge him as an adult. If that does happen, he can go home an await trial. If convicted, he faces three years in a juvenile detention facility.
