MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) – A 15-year-old from Manhattan will be tried as an adult for first-degree murder in the shooting death of a fellow Manhattan High School student.
Riley County District Judge David Stutzman issued the ruling Thursday in the death of 14-year-old Tyler Dowling, who was found dead April 13 in a field.
Stutzman granted the state’s motion to try Cole Drake as an adult because of the seriousness and nature of the crime. He says the evidence during the hearing described a calculated killing of a friend.
Drake is charged with first-degree murder and aggravated burglary.
KMAN reports that the judge said the shooting happened apparently so Drake could appear tough and impress another friend.