After nearly eight months since the shooting death of 15-year-old Khoen Parker in Billings, charges have been filed against five people in connection with his death.
Andy Jack Gussing, 16 years old, is facing felony charges of negligent homicide and tampering with evidence, and three misdemeanor charges related to the investigation.
Elley Jane Graham, 16, is facing three felony charges related to obstruction and investigation of the shooting.
The three adults charged in the case are Jerrel Brady, 18; Jesse Myers, 18; and Juel Graham, 36. All are facing obstruction charges.
Parker was shot and killed near Castle Rock Park on January 15. He was among several people in a dark parking lot at the time, and police have said that conflicting witness accounts have contributed to delays in the investigation.
According to court documents, the shooting happened after two groups of teens and young adults met in a parking lot near Castle Rock Park to settle a dispute. A fight broke out, and shots were fired into the air. That led to more weapons and more gunfire.
Police later determined Parker was hit in the chest with a 9mm bullet that had ricocheted off the asphalt of the parking lot. That shot, police say, was fired by 16-year-old Grussing.
It is still unclear whether Grussing was aiming the gun at Parker or not.
Court documents say that Brady, Myers, and Elley Graham were in a vehicle with Grussing that drove away from the scene. Brady was driving, according to prosecutors.
Juel Graham, believed to be Elley Graham's mother, is accused of obstructing justice for allegedly not giving police her daughter’s phone.
Three of the five are due in court on September 15. Brady and Juel Graham are scheduled to appear before a judge on September 16.
Angie Schmidt was a close friend of Parker’s, and said today she was relieved to hear charges were finally filed.
“I really thought that once we got past that three-month mark that there wasn’t a lot of hope, honestly,” Schmidt said. “I’m glad that we finally have somebody that will be held responsible for what happened.”
She added, “I’m still definitely in shock, but it’s absolutely amazing news to finally have answers."
We will update you as we get more information.
TRENDING ARTICLES
- Grizzly bear killed near Choteau
- 5 charged in teen's shooting death
- Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch opens
- 3 people dead in crash near Missoula
- Obituary: Helga Maria Grunenwald
- Montana model headed to London
