Trial Date Set For Deadly School Bus Shooting Suspect
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The South Florida teen accused of accidentally shooting and killing a girl on a private school bus appeared in court Friday morning for a status hearing.
In addition, the judge set a tentative trial date for February 2014 for 16-year-old Jordyn Howe. Howe is charged as an adult with manslaughter, possession of a firearm and possession of a concealed weapon.
Howe, who attended court with his mother by his side, is currently on house arrest.
Ady DeJesus, mother of Lourdes "Jina" Guzman-DeJesus who was killed on that school bus in November 2012, was also in court Friday.
"I have to deal with that fact that I'm not gonna see her no more," said Ady DeJesus.
Ady is committed to getting justice for her daughter. She said she is frustrated at the pace the prosecution is working and feels they aren't being aggressive enough.
"It's not easy when she sees this kid is out and about and conducting his life and the family is conducting their lives while her life and her children's lives continue to be disrupted continue to suffer," said DeJesus family attorney Ron Book.
Book said the family is disappointed that other people they believe were responsible for the killing have not been arrested, including Howe's stepfather, who allegedly owned the pistol used in the shooting and another student he said put the bullets into the gun.
"Whoever was involved needs to pay and learn what they did was wrong," said Ady DeJesus.
"We are looking for the State to continue prosecution of every aspect of the case not only as it relates to Jordyn Howe but any other potential defendants who may not have been charged to date," said Ron Book.
DeJesus said she wants to see everyone involved go to jail and she's hopeful that one day her baby will get justice.
"Just have to have patience, have faith," she said.
Howe's house arrest is without an ankle monitor so he can leave home for school, court and other approved events.
