Judge Allows Teen to Be Charged as Adult in 2025 Towne East Shooting

The 18-year-old suspect faces multiple counts, including attempted first-degree murder.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A Sedgwick County judge has ruled that prosecutors can charge an 18-year-old as an adult in a shooting incident at Towne East Square in Wichita, Kansas in August 2025. The teen, who was 17 at the time, is facing two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated battery, and one count of criminal use of a weapon.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of juvenile crime and violence, as well as the legal complexities around charging minors as adults for serious offenses. The shooting at Towne East Square raised concerns about public safety and the need for stronger interventions to prevent such incidents.

The details

According to the Wichita Police Department, the shooting occurred on August 8, 2025, after a fight broke out among five teenage males in the Towne East Square parking lot. One of the boys fired a gun, hitting two other teens - one in the upper body and another in the leg. The victims suffered critical injuries.

  • The shooting occurred on August 8, 2025.
  • The defendant's first appearance in Sedgwick County District Court is scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The players

Sedgwick County Judge

The judge who ruled that prosecutors can charge the 18-year-old suspect as an adult.

Wichita Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the shooting incident at Towne East Square.

Defendant

An 18-year-old who was 17 at the time of the shooting and is now facing multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder.

Shooting Victims

Two teenage boys who were shot and suffered critical injuries during the incident at Towne East Square.

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What’s next

The defendant's first appearance in Sedgwick County District Court is scheduled for March 5, 2026, where the judge will determine if the teen will be charged as an adult.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of juvenile crime and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of violence, as well as the legal complexities around charging minors as adults for serious offenses.