Mocobizscene- Two Montgomery teenagers, who were charged in the shooting death of their 16-year-old friend while allegedly attempting to shoot up a home, have been granted bond by a judge.
Michael Anthony Cole Jr. disappeared on January 25th around 8:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Southmont Drive in Montgomery. Each of the teenagers was granted a $750,000 bond by Montgomery County Circuit Judge Brooke Reid on Wednesday. Following a bond hearing earlier this week, the judge made their ruling.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Jones, King-Sheppard, and Cole, along with two others, had gone to a residence on Gaston Avenue in Montgomery that night with the intention of firing shots into the house.
Jones and King-Sheppard initially misled officers by denying any knowledge of Michael’s death. However, they later provided statements confessing to the essential elements of the crime, as stated in the judge’s order.
During the trial, Detective A.C. Patterson provided crucial testimony regarding Jones’ admission of orchestrating the plan. According to Patterson, Jones confessed to organizing the group’s visit to the home with the intention of carrying out the shooting. Jones claimed that this drastic action was prompted by the theft of guns from someone inside the house.
According to the judge’s order, testimony revealed that a witness observed King-Sheppard spending several hours cleaning his vehicle in the rain the day after Michael’s death.
Jones recently completed his high school education, having actively participated in various sports such as football, basketball, and track. The chaplain of the football team praised Jones, stating that he consistently demonstrated qualities of love and a strong desire to be a leader.
According to King-Sheppard’s attorney, he is a high school senior with an impressive GPA and a clean record. He is not only a talented basketball player but also a valuable member of the school team. Before his arrest, he had received offers to play basketball at the collegiate level.
According to Judge Reid’s order, a felony murder charge can only result in bond denial if there are no conditions that can reasonably ensure the defendant’s appearance in court or safeguard the community’s safety.
Reid determined that the two teenage suspects have a robust support system and strong connections within the community, which led to the approval of their bond.
If the suspects are granted bond, they will be required to wear ankle monitors and follow a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., according to court records. Moreover, they are not allowed to possess weapons or engage in any further criminal activities.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Jones and King-Sheppard are still in the Montgomery County Detention Facility.
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