In a disturbing development, a teenager accused of a deadly hit-and-run is now alleged to have targeted the victim weeks earlier in a swatting incident, according to a lawyer representing the victim’s family.
The incident, which led to the tragic death of a 17-year-old, is being re-examined after new information surfaced suggesting premeditation. The suspect, also a teenager, is currently facing murder charges related to the fatal hit-and-run that occurred in late September.
What is Swatting?
Swatting is a criminal act where someone makes a false report to emergency services to provoke a heavy law enforcement response to a specific address. According to the attorney, the victim’s home was targeted in such a false report just weeks before the fatal encounter. Police responded to the residence, believing there was a threat, only to find the report was baseless.
Attorney Alleges Pattern of Harassment
The family’s lawyer claims this was not a coincidence. “This wasn’t random. This was part of a disturbing pattern of targeted harassment,” the attorney said during a press briefing. The swatting incident is now being reviewed as potential evidence of intent in the murder case.
Investigators are looking into digital communications and social media connections between the two teens. Authorities have not confirmed whether additional charges related to the swatting will be filed.
Ongoing Investigation
Prosecutors have remained tight-lipped as the investigation continues. The suspect remains in custody and has not entered a plea. The victim’s family is calling for justice, urging authorities to pursue every angle of the case, including the alleged swatting incident.
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