Prosecutors Charge 16-Year-Old As Adult In Westminster Murder Case
WESTMINSTER, Colo. (CBS4) - A week after a murder at a playground in Westminster, prosecutors have decided to charge the 16-year-old suspect as an adult.
Israel Maestas appeared in court on Thursday after 17th Judicial District Attorney Dave Young announced the development in the case.
The shooting took place the afternoon of Dec. 5 at England Park, at 3950 W. 72nd Avenue.
Hector Manuel Castillo, 21, was killed and Aaron Castillo, 25, was injured.
Ben Maher told CBS4 he witnessed the crime, but he doesn't know what led to it.
"It was all calm and then this guy walked from over there and came by and punched this guy in the face. The guy who got punched in the face fell down, went for his waist, pulled out the gun and then started shooting," he said. "All you hear was 'Pop, pop.' "
Maher said he ran when the shots rang out.
Police arrested Maestas a few hours after the shooting. He now faces the following charges: second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and several weapons charges.
"I'm glad I wasn't where the guys were standing, because I could have been hit, or any of my friends could have been hit," he said.
The arrest warrant in the case has been sealed by the judge until at least the next hearing for Maestas, which is scheduled for Dec. 19.