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Prosecutors Charge Teen in San Jose Valley Fair Black Friday Shooting, Seek Adult Trial

Investigators cite a gang-motivated dispute, with three victims recovering from non-life-threatening wounds.

Overview

  • The Santa Clara County district attorney filed attempted murder and assault with a semi-automatic firearm charges and asked a judge to transfer the 17-year-old’s case to adult court.
  • Prosecutors say the teen fired six shots at a perceived rival during a verbal dispute inside Westfield Valley Fair, striking the intended target and wounding two bystanders.
  • All three victims — an adult man, an adult woman, and a 16-year-old girl — were treated at local hospitals and are expected to recover.
  • Police arrested the juvenile two days after the shooting and also detained a 21-year-old woman seen pushing a stroller, whom prosecutors say will face charges for facilitating his escape.
  • Authorities note the suspect was already on probation after a prior loaded-gun case, intensifying local debate over California’s juvenile justice rules as the investigation continues and the next court date is set for Dec. 12.