17-Year-Old Accused in Deadly METRO Bus Shooting Held Without Bond

Court Hearing for METRO Bus Shooting Suspect

• 🎯 A 17-year-old suspect, Braden Smith, appeared in court for the first time in connection with a deadly METRO bus shooting.
• 🚫 A judge ordered Smith held without bond pending further hearings, based on prosecutors' presentation of evidence.

Surveillance Video and Prosecution's Case

• 📹 Prosecutors detailed bus surveillance video showing Smith allegedly getting on the bus, approaching a passenger, and opening fire.
• 💔 The shooting resulted in the death of Caitlyn Stoop, who was seated between two men, and injured a 16-year-old boy.
• ⚠️ Investigators are still determining which gun fired the shot that hit the 16-year-old.
• ⚖️ Smith was reportedly on juvenile probation for attempted aggravated robbery at the time of the incident.

Defense Arguments and Next Steps

• 🧐 Smith's defense attorney argued that the video also shows the second suspect, Patrick Scott, holding a gun.
• 🔬 The defense emphasized the need for forensic testing and review of multiple video angles before a full assessment can be made.
• 🗓️ A no-bond hearing is scheduled for later this week, with Smith currently remaining in custody.
• 🔗 Co-defendant Patrick Scott faces a charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon, with a bond hearing expected Thursday.