MONROE, N.C. – Monroe Police have arrested a 17-year old for the shooting and killing of a 12-year-old boy. Police say the 17-year-old is charged with first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, and discharging a firearm into occupied property. While he is charged as an adult, he is a juvenile and his identity cannot be released. Police say he will appear in front of a magistrate for his conditions of release and then be transported to a secure juvenile facility.
The shooting happened in the 600 block of Skywatch Lane just before 6:30p on Saturday, December 7th. When police arrived, they say they found 12-year-old Messiah Barrino with a gunshot wound. The child was taken to a Charlotte-area hospital. Before officers arrived on the scene, a 15-year-old who’d also been shot was taken to the hospital. The 15-year-old remains in the hospital but is expected to recover.
Police say it appears that the shots were fired during a large street fight on Skywatch Lane.
Police say their investigation is ongoing. If you have any information about this shooting, please call the Monroe Police Department at 704-282-4700.
