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Juvenile charged with shooting, killing 16-year-old in Grand Rapids on July 4

The 16-year-old victim was riding a bike at the time of the shooting. Due to the nature of the charges, the suspect will be tried in adult court.
Credit: 13 On Your Side
Police are on the scene of a shooting that killed a teenager.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The teen accused of gunning down a 16-year-old from Grand Rapids on July 4 is facing multiple charges, Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced Monday. 

Brandon Lee Bechtold Jr., 17, is charged with one count of open murder, three counts of assault with intent to murder and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony.

The victim, 16-year-old Ja’Juan Webb, was on a bike at the time of the shooting. Officers responded to the scene in the 500 block of Leonard Street NE around 3:40 p.m., where Webb had died from his injuries. 

There were multiple shots fired, and bullet casings were found all over the road, according to police.

The Kent County Medical Examiner ruled the death of Webb a homicide. Bechtold was apprehended by police in another state and was extradited back to Grand Rapids to face charges. 

Bechtold's arraignment was on Aug. 19 and he is being held at the Kent County Correctional Facility with no bond. 

Despite being a juvenile, Bechtold will be appearing in adult court "due to the nature of his charges," Becker said.

Bechtold's next court appearance is on Aug. 30 at 8:30 a.m. in 61st District Court.

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