BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio — The Middletown teen charged with murder and participating in a criminal gang admitted to the crime, according to court documents.
During a pre-trial hearing Tuesday, Butler County Juvenile Court Judge Kathleen Romans ordered the 16-year-old to remain housed in the county detention center until his next court appearance on June 29, The Journal-News reported.
Guns specifications, which mean additional punishment if found guilty, were added to the murder and gang charges.
Joseph Davis, 17, died of multiple gunshot wounds near the corner Woodlawn Avenue and Garfield Street last week.
Davis' accused killer is a known member of the Road Runner Gang, according to Middletown Detective Kristi Hughes.
“Defendant was also present with known gang members both prior and during this homicide. (Defendant) was interviewed and admitted to the shooting,” the court documents state.
Middletown Maj. Scott Reeve said the investigation is ongoing, and detectives are still gathering information about possible involvement of others, but no additional charges have been filed.
If Romans rules at the hearing later this month that there is probable cause that the teen committed the crimes, the case will automatically be moved to adult court, according to Butler County Prosecutor Michael Gmoser.
That’s because of the age of the suspect and the level of the crime, he said.
The teen suspect has been charged by Middletown police three times since 2015, according to juvenile court records.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Detective Kristi Hughes at 513-425-7733 or Detective Steve Winters at 513-425-7786.
The Journal-News is a media partner of WCPO.
