The teen facing gun charges at Harlan High School remains detained, despite claims the firearm was given to him by another student.
SAN ANTONIO — Waiting to appear before a judge Monday morning, the 14-year-old accused of having a gun at Harlan High School last Thursday did what most accused teens do.
The slight-framed teen twisted and fidgeted in his seat.
When the teen’s case was called, new information was revealed about the incident that caused the school to be placed into a secure status for a time.
The defense attorney for the accused told Judge Cruz Shaw his client didn’t actually bring the gun to school.
Mark Castillo said “He didn’t take the weapon to school. Another student gave him the weapon. There is actual evidence on his cell phone where that other individual has been texting him.”
Castillo asked the judge to allow the teen to be released from custody with a GPS monitor because it is his first offense.
“He’s a good kid. He’s never been in trouble. This is his first time. I understand the seriousness of the offense but I believe there will be no problems with this young man if he is released to his mother,” Castillo said.
A Northside ISD spokesman confirmed two students are facing disciplinary action as a result of the incident.
Castillo said once the handoff of the unloaded weapon was made, the boy who brought the gun to school turned the accused teen in.
Judge Cruz Shaw said taking possession of that gun was a bad decision.
“There is no reason whatsoever that you should have taken that gun. He set you up because he’s the one who called the cops,” Shaw told the accused.
A probation officer told the judge the teen has had good behavior in school and that he has passing grades but “given the serious nature of this charge and a weapon being involved, at this time probation does recommend continued detention.”
The prosecutor argued this teen remains a danger to himself or others and the judge agreed he needs to remain in custody.
Before the teen returns to court in one week, the attorneys agree they will be looking closely at that cell phone to see what evidence it will reveal.
There’s no word on the consequences for the teen accused of bringing the gun to campus.