Mekhi Stevenson: Florida teen accused of killing high school football star, 17, to be charged as adult
Warning: This article contains recollection of crime that could be triggering to some readers. Discretion is advised.
MIAMI-DADE, FLORIDA: A 15-year-old detained in connection with the murder of a football player from North Miami High School on November 29, 2022, will reportedly face adult charges. During a Zoom court hearing on December 20, 2022, Miami-Dade Judge Dawn Denaro stated that the prosecution is accusing the teen of being an adult in the murder of Mekhi Stevenson, 17, a junior quarterback at the high school in Florida.
Stevenson was shot dead in his home in northeast Miami-Dade. Stevenson's mother and brother Anthon Samuel attended the hearing as did the family of the teen charged in the killing. "Seeing him on Zoom was my first time seeing him and of course that stirred up some emotions for my family and me, and just to see the other side of the family on there too. So, you know, just a lot of mixed emotions," Samuel told NBC Miami.
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The 15-year-old is facing charges including manslaughter, possession of a firearm by a minor, and improper exhibition of a firearm in the November 29 killing. Miami-Dade Police said Stevenson, his younger brother, and four friends were in a room when the 15-year-old pulled out a gun. Despite being instructed to put the pistol away, the youngster aimed it at Stevenson. The gun discharged and struck Stevenson in the torso and Stevenson died on the spot before trying to walk toward one of the doors in the home and collapsing to the ground, the police said, as per NBC Miami.
Police said the other teens ran from the scene after the shooting. A perimeter was set up and the 15-year-old was later taken into custody. The 15-year-old is expected to appear in adult court in late December 2022.
Stevenson's mother said he needs to be held accountable. "You have to pay for what you did to my child, and I'm not gonna rest until he pays," Sonya Stevenson said. According to the cops, the deadly shooting occurred at around 1 pm at a home in the 100 block of Sierra Drive.
North Miami High School football coach Gerald Cox first confirmed Stevenson was a junior quarterback on his team and a star footballer. "Full of life, vibrant, charismatic," Cox said, as per a report. "Good kid on the field, good kid off the field," he added.
"Bright. Everything about him was bright. His smile was bright. His soul was bright," Stevenson's brother Samuel told the station. Cox, who fought tears, said, "He was a charismatic individual that led a team to the playoffs, led the team to a district championship. Good grades did everything his momma asked him to do. He was a typical football kid in South Florida who was trying to do what he had to do and make something of himself."