INDIANAPOLIS — The Marion County Prosecutor has recused himself from the case involving the deadly shooting of a teenager outside Castleton Square Mall.
That means a special prosecutor will now determine whether charges will be filed against the person accused of shooting the teen and an adult in the parking lot of the mall on January 3.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears filed the paperwork with the Marion Supreme Court on Thursday requesting the appointment.
"The investigation and the charging decision of the individual under investigation creates a conflict of interest," the documents filed by Mears state. "In order to avoid an appearance of impropriety, it is thus necessary to appoint a Special Prosecutor to assist in the investigation, to make a charging decision and to prosecute such charges if filed, as contemplated by the special prosecutor statute."
The motion did not specify the nature of the 'conflict of interest' but did request that a special prosecutor be appointed from outside of Marion County.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the mall parking lot just before 8 p.m. where they found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Michael Mason Jr., 16, and the other victim were both taken to the hospital. Mason later died from his injuries.
The father of the other man injured in the shooting tells WRTV that his son was shot four times in the leg. He claims his son and two other people were leaving the mall when they walked up to a car that looked like their own. When they began pulling on the door, he alleges shots were fired from inside the car.
"When the young man started to pull at the back door, my son said he noticed that that wasn't his car," Eddie Smith Sr. said. "So he said, 'Hey, this, that's not my car.'.. Immediately somebody started shooting at them from inside of the car."
Police say a third person - who they initially called a person of interest - is cooperating with their investigation. That person was taken in for questioning and later released. No charges have been filed at this time.
-
Veteran helps others avoid homelessness after facing near eviction
The organization helps veterans achieve housing stability through what it describes as a comprehensive and holistic person-centered approach that addresses the root causes of Veteran housing crises.
IU Health patient thanks doctor with a tattoo tribute after spinal surgery
Two years ago, Sorrell began having trouble walking. After undergoing surgery to treat a rare cyst in the space around the spinal cord, he has more than just words to express his gratitude.
IMPD & ISP increase patrols to crack down on drunk driving this holiday season
IMPD and Indiana State Police want you to have a good time with friends and family but warn of the consequences of drinking and driving.
Indiana State Parks offer free Black Friday admission for Opt Outside Day
Does the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season become overwhelming? Indiana DNR is offering a solution to this with their Opt Outside Day on Black Friday.
