Updated (9/19 2:00pm)The teenager accused of nearly beating a man to death pleaded not guilty to all charges including attempted murder.
Medford Police say back on August 25th 17-year-old Shylo Ramirez held a gun to an 18-year-old’s head and when he tried to shoot — the gun malfunctioned.
They say then Ramirez and multiple others beat the man. Ramirez’s family say they were initially meeting up to talk about his current girlfriend.
Ramirez’s bail is set at $1,000,000 and his pre-trial court date is September 29th at 1:30 pm.
Medford, Ore — A 17 year old from Medford is indicted on attempted murder and assault charges.
Police say a malfunctioning gun may be the only reason the victim is alive tonight after Police say a meeting over a girl nearly turned deadly.
“There had been some trash talk between the two and they had wanted to settle it but I don’t think the victim realized what the suspect had planned,” said Lt. Mike Budreau.
On August 25th at 3 a.m. a church parking lot on Delta Waters Road in Medford quickly became a crime scene.
“The suspect actually pulled a gun, held it to his head and appeared to pull the trigger but the gun actually malfunctioned,” said Budreau.
Seventeen year old Shylo Ramirez is the accused gunmen. When his gun didn’t fire Budreau says more suspects got involved, beating the 18 year old victim, but police say there’s no doubt, the intent was to kill.
“We believe the actions with the gun were that he was going to kill the victim that’s why there are attempted murder charges,” said Budreau.
On September 3rd police say they recovered the gun in a backpack and arrested Ramirez at Central Medford High School they also found along with heroin and packaging materials.
He’s armed, with a loaded gun, he’s used it and he appears to be involved in heroin and that’s a bad thing, no matter what the age is,” said Budreau.
Ramirez has been indicted as an adult for attempted murder, Budreau is quick to point out things could have been much worse for the victim.
“Had this gun not malfunctioned we would be dealing with a murder and not an attempted murder,” said Budreau.
According to police and the District Attorney, Ramirez will be tried as an adult under Oregon statute which states a person age 15 to 17 can be charged as an adult with Chapter 11 crimes, which include attempted murder.
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