Bremerton boy pleads guilty in school shooting
Mar 6, 2012, 1:07 PM | Updated: 3:56 pm
The boy pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Kitsap County Juvenile Court to possession of a gun, bringing a dangerous weapon to school, and reckless endangerment. In the above photo, the boy is seen accompanied in juvenile court by his uncle and father during an appearance last week. (97.3 KIRO FM Photo/File)
(97.3 KIRO FM Photo/File)
A boy who brought a .45 caliber gun to school that ultimately went off and seriously injured a classmate has pleaded guilty in juvenile court.
The 9-year-old boy won’t be facing time in juvenile detention, but will face probation.
He pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Kitsap County Juvenile Court to possession of a gun, bringing a dangerous weapon to school, and reckless endangerment.
The boy received 48 hours of community service, counseling and a 12 month probation as a part of deal made with prosecutors.
He was asked whether he wanted to say anything. He replied: “I’m sorry.”
The 8-year-old Bremerton girl who was shot in her classroom Feb. 22 remains in serious condition Tuesday after five surgeries at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. The bullet struck her midsection and arm.
Spokeswoman Susan Gregg said Amina Bowman is on a ventilator, to help her breath. She is sedated, but is responsive when awake.
The hospital spokeswoman said no further surgery is scheduled at this time.
Bowman’s family have hired an attorney to determine fault in the shooting, which police ruled accidental. Their attorney said the term “accidental” was a misuse of words.
Police have issued a warrant for the mother of the 9-year-old boy, and her boyfriend, for leaving the gun the boy brought to school, as well as another firearm found in their home, too easily accessible. The mother is also a felon, and it is illegal for her to possess a firearm.
The boy also was ordered not to contact his mother or her boyfriend.
According to The Seattle Times, the couple hasn’t been arrested yet because they are on a previously planned trip to Las Vegas for a NASCAR event.
Statement from John and Teri Bowman
Signs are prominently posted throughout the campus of Amina’s school, indicating the campus is a “Drug Free, Gun Free School Zone” and features a marijuana leaf superimposed over a gun. Students should clearly understand that guns are not permitted on campus by the time they are in the third grade. The fact that a student made a conscious decision to bring a weapon to school as “protection” clearly indicates that he is cognizant of the destructive power of a handgun. As such, Teri and I are supportive of the prosecution’s decision to charge this boy with illegal possession of a firearm and for bringing a firearm to school; however, we do not agree that this youngster and his siblings should remain in a volatile, unstable family environment.
As we sit in court, Amina continues to fight for her life. She faces a lifetime of medical and emotional problems because of the irresponsible actions of adults involved in the case at all levels. Amina’s life has been forever altered, along with the rest of our family, due to the breakdown of a system that allows parents deemed unfit by the State to have unrestricted access to this student and his siblings.
As we continue to grapple with the circumstances of this tragedy, and as we search for justice for our daughter, we want everyone to know that their prayers, support, and acts of kindness towards our family continue to be appreciated more than you know.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
