The 14 year old charged in the April shooting inside Erie High School will now face charges as an adult instead of a juvenile, Erie County Court of Common Pleas Judge John Trucilla ruled following a nearly two-hour long hearing Tuesday morning.

The teen, who has now been identified as Jim’mare Crosby, is accused of bringing a 9mm handgun into the school on the morning of April 5, firing that weapon several times and shooting a 15 year old in thigh and abdomen.

Because Crosby was under age 15, and the violent crime was not a homicide, City of Erie Police had to charge him as a juvenile. Crosby is set to turn 15 on Wednesday.

However, Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz pushed to move the case to adult court, prompting Tuesday's hearing.

Crosby's defense attorney Chad Vilushis asked for the hearing to be delayed, so a psychological evaluation could be completed, but the judge denied it.

Prosecutors presented testimony from many witnesses including the person who was shot, school nurses who helped the victim, the school principal and Matt Parker with Erie's Public Schools. 18 victim impact statements were also presented.

Two different representatives from state prisons also testified about what programs would be available for the 14 year old if he were tried as an adult.

We also learned during the hearing that Crosby has a history of problematic behavior including 225 behavioral incidents in school, along with failing grades and unexcused absences/tardies.

Another hearing in the case will be held in early July.

Crosby is being held at the Erie County Prison with bond set at $100,000.

 
User: Erie News Now To: link