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16-year-old STEM School shooting suspect to be tried as adult

Alec McKinney
File photo of convicted murderer Alec McKinney

CASTLE ROCK, Colo. (AP & KRDO) - A judge says the younger of two students charged in a fatal school shooting in suburban Denver will be tried as an adult.

District Judge Jeffrey K. Holmes ruled Wednesday that lawyers for 16-year-old Alec McKinney failed to prove that it would be better for him or for the community for him to be prosecuted as a juvenile.

McKinney and 18-year-old Devon Erickson each face over 40 charges, including first-degree murder, in the May 7 shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch that killed 18-year-old  Kendrick Castillo.

The order released Wednesday also provided details about traumatic events in McKinney's past. Alleged abuse by McKinney's father was outlined, including one event where McKinney's father forced the family into a vehicle at knifepoint.

The court document also revealed that McKinney had provided Xanax to a friend, who then overdosed and died. McKinney had enrolled in a drug diversion program but continued to purchase and use drugs, the court documents state.

No mugshot of McKinney has been made available.

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