New Hanover County teen faces life without parole

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The 17-year-old charged with first degree murder made his first court appearance this morning.

Khai Anthony Ressler, 17, is charged with killing Curtis Oscar Adams, 57, on Saturday in New Hanover County. Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance on Angel Island Road and found Adams shot in the head.

In court, a judge told Ressler his maximum sentence would be life without parole. The death penalty is not an option because of his age.

Ressler is a student at Ashley High School.

The judge set his bond at $1 million.

His next court date is March 23.