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Jul 8, 2008 12:41 pm US/Eastern
Teen Accused Of Shooting Boy Held On $75K Bail
ROXBURY (WBZ) ―
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During his arraignment, Richard Penha, 19, of Hyde Park, stood behind a courtroom door, away from view, as prosecutors and the defense stated their cases to the judge.
WBZ
The young man accused of shooting a 7-year-old boy in Roxbury is being held on $75,000 bail after he pleaded not guilty in court on Tuesday.
Richard Penha, 19, of Hyde Park is accused of firing a bullet that accidentally hit the boy in the back on June 30. He faces six charges, the most serious being assault with intent to murder.
During his arraignment, Penha stood behind a courtroom door, away from view, as prosecutors and the defense stated their cases to the judge.
Prosecutors said it all started when Penha and 18-year-old Kenny Francois of Hyde Park were driving in a Honda down Tremont Street. They were approached by a person on a bike, who shot Penha under his right arm.
Penha continued to drive, and when they came upon the biker again in the Sewall Street area, prosecutors say Penha got out of the car and fired nine shots. According to prosecutors, one of those shots hit 7-year-old Brandon Gerrero in the back. After Penha fired the alleged shots, prosecutors say he got back into the car and drove off.
The defense claims this is all a case of mistaken identity, but prosecutors say police know Penha. They even said officers know Penha's nickname "Man Child." The defense denied this.
Gerrero remains in stable condition at Boston Medical Center.
Police are still looking for the person who shot at Penha and Francois. Anyone with information is asked to call 1.800.494.TIPS, or text "TIP" to CRIME (27463).
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