KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Four teenagers were arrested Monday in connection with a deadly weekend shooting in Olathe that left 19-year-old Marco Cardino from Smithville dead.
The Olathe Police Department announced Tuesday that two more teenagers were arrested in connection to the incident, bringing the total to six teens — four 14-year-olds, who are likely to be charged as adults, and two 13-year-olds — who face first-degree murder charges.
Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe told KSHB 41 News on Tuesday afternoon that the shooting probably stemmed from a marijuana purchase gone wrong.
Olathe police responded shortly before 4 a.m. on Saturday to Black Bob Park, 14500 W. 151st St., on reports of shots fired.
Upon arrival, police found Cardino, who had been shot multiple times and died at the scene.
The four defendants arrested Monday night appeared Tuesday morning in Johnson County District Court.
KSHB 41 News has chosen not to name the defendants because they are minors and have not been charged as adults in the case.
Howe's office filed motions Tuesday, seeking to have three 14-year-olds waived to adult status. He said he would seek a waiver for the fourth 14-year-old as well.
The four 14-year-olds "shall be presumed to be an adult," because of the age and severity of the crime under Section 38-2347 of the Kansas Juvenile Justice Code.
First appearances for the 14-year-old suspects who were arraigned Monday have been scheduled for June 2, June 14 and June 15, respectively. The 14-year-old suspect arrested Tuesday will appear June 6.
It is unclear when a decision will be made on their status as adult defendants.
Under Kansas law, 13-year-olds cannot be charged as an adult, but the child arrested Monday is due back in court June 2 for the next scheduled hearing.
The second 13-year-old will make a court appearance June 6.
—
