ELKHART (AP) — A teenager who was 13 years old when accused of killing an 18-year-old in Elkhart County has been convicted of murder.
Elkhart County Judge Michael Christofeno delivered the verdict Wednesday, about three months after holding a bench trial. Alphonso James is now 16. He was 13 years old in 2018 when he was accused of repeatedly shooting Jaren Minies in a dispute over a gun, money and a video game system.
The prosecutor chose to charge James as an adult. James testified in September, telling the judge that it was a case of self-defense. But prosecutor Vicki Becker said James’ explanation didn’t match the evidence.
