Mass shooting suspects appear in court, ineligible for death penalty

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The two teens charged with the shooting death of a 16-year-old last weekend made their first appearance in court today.

Tyrek Desmond Anderson, 17, and Deandre Nixon, 16, are both charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Shane Simpson, 16, during a drive-by shooting Sunday morning at Castle and 11th streets. Four other teens were also wounded in the shooting.

In court, District Attorney Ben David said neither of them are eligible for the death penalty, because they are under 18. David asked the judge to set their bonds at $9 million. The public defender asked for a $500,000 bond, but the judge set it at $9 million.

David said the case will go in front of a grand jury next and he said he expects more charges to come.

“We are treating this very seriously and despite the young ages of those involved, these were very adult crimes that took place and we intend to hold them responsible as adults,” David said.

David said prosecutors are still determining what punishment to pursue, but the two teens could face 25 years in prison or life without parole if convicted.

Last night, a funeral was held for Simpson.