SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole High School student accused of shooting another student on campus last month will be charged as an adult, the state attorney’s office announced Monday.
Da’Raveius Smith, 16, is facing charges of attempted first-degree premeditated murder with a firearm, discharge of a weapon on school property, and shooting into a building or vehicle.
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He is accused of shooting an 18-year-old student on campus on Jan. 19.
In court on Tuesday, officials said if found guilty, the teenager could be sentenced to life in prison.
Sanford police said Smith got a gun after he got into an argument with Jhavon McIntyre, 18. Officers said he kept the gun concealed until he saw McIntyre leave a restroom on campus. That’s when officers say he shot his classmate several times, chasing him and continuing to shoot.
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The 18-year-old’s injuries were not life-threatening, police said.
Newly released court records show that Smith told investigators he was being bullied by MacIntyre and his friends and that he was trying to defend himself.
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Smith told investigators he regretted his actions, and that he never wanted to hurt McIntyre, but that he was scared.
A judge ruled Tuesday that Smith will be held at Seminole County Jail on no bond.
READ: Boy, 16, charged in connection with shooting at Seminole High School appears before judge
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