HAVERTOWN, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The 17-year-old accused of shooting another teenager in the face during a drug deal earlier this month in Havertown has been ordered to stand trial on attempted murder and other charges. He will also remain in the county jail as a reduction in his bail was denied.
James McCauley is accused of shooting Marquis Mays around 8:30 p.m., Feb. 12 at Rose Tree Lane and Glen Gary Drive in Havertown. Mays survived, but prosecutors say he remains hospitalized.
One of the witnesses at the preliminary hearing said he was just catching a ride to buy cigarettes. But on the way, McCauley stopped and picked up two men. He sold one of them 2 ounces of marijuana, and after the cash and drugs were exchanged, McCauley drove the men back where they were picked up.
But as they were getting out, an altercation broke out between the two men in the back seat.
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The witness said he got out and had his back to the car when he heard the gunshot.
"Where’s the evidence that he intended to kill anyone? The evidence is more likely and more logical he was defending him because (of) the person in the back seat, who testified (he) just got beaten. He’s next," said McCauley’s defense attorney, Charles Peruto.
17-year-old James McCauley will stand trial on attempted murder for shooting Marquise Mays in the face on Feb 12. Defense attorney argued it was self defense. Despite a tearful request from the defendant himself, a reduction in bail was denied. @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/yqZN9QNvCv
— Jim Melwert (@JMelwert)
February 28, 2019 Peruto claims the others involved in the deal, including the victim, have robbed drug dealers in the past. Detectives and prosecutors declined to comment on that.
McCauley himself asked the judge to reduce his bail, sobbing as he said he’s only 125 pounds and can’t survive in jail, adding he’s been wearing the same underwear and the same socks since he was arrested.
The judge denied the request and kept bail at $1 million.
