Public defender Kevin Gough who represents 17-year-old De'Marquise Elkins is confident his client is "absolutely, 1,000 percent not guilty," for the shooting death of a Georgia baby killed last week at point-blank range in his stroller last week, the Associated Press reported. Elkins made his first court appearance on Monday, charged as an adult with first degree murder, along with a 14-year-old who was not identified because he is a juvenile, Brunswick Police Chief Tobe Green said.
The victim's mother Sherry West said she was walking on Thursday morning when two teenagers confronted her, and one opened fire. West identified Elkins in the mug shot lineup on Saturday. West said one of the teenagers allegedly fired four shots, grazing her ear and striking her in the leg before shooting her baby, who was in the stroller in the face. They reportedly had begged for money, which she said she did not have at the time. Cops were relieved, calling it "bittersweet" to have apprehended the suspects during a press conference with reporters.
One suspect, the 14-year-old, came into the courtroom shackled and wearing a baggy orange jumpsuit, The Florida Times-Union reported. Elkins, meanwhile has been a student in an alternative school in the area. His public defender Gough vehemently deny the charges.
"We look forward to our day in court," Gough proclaimed. Police said the motive is still under investigation, and no weapon has yet to be found.
Police released on Saturday three 911 calls, which were made just after the shooting.
"My baby will never be back again," West said. "He took an innocent life. I want his life, too."
Katrina Freeman, Elkins' aunt, said Saturday that Elkins was not anywhere near the crime scene at the crime scene. She had just cooked him breakfast, and was with her during that time. Freeman said that Elkins accompanied her and her children on some errands for about an hour.
"He was with us the whole time," said Freeman to reporters, and telling police, "There is no doubt in my mind that he is innocent."
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