ONLY ON WWAY: Teen charged with murder “wants to go back to school'”

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A teenager charged with murder appeared in court again this afternoon to face a new charge, after a Grand Jury did not indict him on first degree murder.

Leon Pocknett III, 17,  and his father Leon Pocknett Jr. were charged with first degree murder after they allegedly assaulted 58-year-old Greg Gineman on May 10th.

Gineman later died of his injuries.

The teenager’s charges have now been dropped to 2nd degree murder.

His new secured bond is now set at $500,000. In court today, the judge said if Pocknett III can make bond he can attend school.

“I really want to go to school,” Pocknett III said.

Pocknett III is speaking only to WWAY News about the incident that landed him in jail and facing murder charges.

“I mean I don’t like bringing up the past, but it was just a bad predicament. It wasn’t the right choice my father made I wish he made a better choice, I mean it’s really sad that the man died,” Pocknett III said.

His charges were lowered to second degree murder, but Pocknett III continues to claim his innocence.

“I want a future, like I don’t want to be on the streets like the other kids it’s not the person I am,” Pocknett III said.

A future he hopes becomes brighter now his bond is lowered.

“Well I thank God that she said the things she did because she really looked out for me,” Pocknett III said.

His next court date is August 10th.