Update: Defense says Cornelius Officers Shot Teen First
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CORNELIUS, NC — A teenager’s defense team is turning Cornelius Police Department’s account of an officer involved shooting upside down.
Grey Ferrell faces six charges after police say he shot Lt. James Quattlebaum Saturday.
In court Tuesday, Ferrell’s attorney says officers shot at the teen first.
They were responding to a domestic disturbance call at the home.
Ferrell’s parents rushed out of the courtroom after the teen’s first appearance Tuesday.
Prosecutors called their son’s shootout with Lt. Quattlebaum a “sudden, brazen, deliberate attack on a law enforcement officer.”
The 16-year-old’s cousins say it was a mistake.
“It’s tragic,” said Kate Moore. “This is a tragedy. It truly is.”
Defense attorney Brad Smith’s motion for bond says Ferrell accidentally shot Lt. Quattlebaum.
He wrote, when police say the teen emerged from his room, “…with the bulletproof vest and shotgun, they immediately opened fire…”
He continued by explaining, Ferrell “…fell down the stairs at which time the shotgun discharged.”
The documents say Ferrell’s “…Father laid down on top of Defendant [Ferrell] to shield him from the Officer who was threatening to kill Defendant [Ferrell].” While his mother “…prayed for the Officer not to kill her son.”
“He’s a very sweet boy,” said his cousin, Cheri Moore.
Fellow officers were in court on Quattlebaum’s behalf while he recovers at home. The vests on both the officer and the teenager stopped the bullets.
Chief Bence Hoyle tells WCCB Charlotte that officers did not shoot first.
Prosecutors told the judge Tuesday that the teen sang “I Shot the Sheriff” after his arrest.
They also pointed out the Facebook posts in which the teen repeatedly threatened police.
“I also don’t think a 16-year-old can very eloquently state anger,” said Kate Moore. “Especially, when social media is involved. I don’t think he had the vocabulary. “
Saturday was the third time police have responded to a domestic disturbance involving the teen. His attorney says Ferrell grabbed the bullet proof vest and gun during an argument with his brother-in-law. When he came out of his room, police were there.
“I’m feeling sadness for him because I know he’s an amazing person, and I feel really bad for Officer Quattlebaum and the Cornelius Police,” said Kate Moore.
The judge decided releasing Ferrell was too much of a risk for family and police. He ordered a $1 million bond.
Ferrell will have a bond hearing May 15. If he makes bond before then, he will be on house arrest.
