APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Cashmere Williams, 16, will be tried in adult court for a shooting at Erb Park, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Williams is charged with attempted first-degree intentional homicide for the July 31 incident. He entered not guilty pleas Tuesday for the shooting and for a charge related to a fight in the jail. No trial date has been set.
In Wisconsin, children ages 10 to 16 facing most homicide-related counts are charged in adult court. The defense asked for the case to be moved to juvenile court. But Outagamie County Judge Mark McGinnis rejected the motion Tuesday.
According to the criminal complaint, police were called to Erb Park on Appleton’s north side just before 4:40 p.m. on July 31. They found one person with bullet wounds to his arm and abdomen.
Two witnesses, who know Williams, identified him as the shooter. The victim told police that as he walked toward a pavilion in the park, he heard gasping and saw out of the corner of his eye Williams coming up behind him. The victim told police he heard six gunshots and said he believed Williams was trying to kill him.
The complaint does not give a motive for the shooting.
Police went to Williams’ home about two blocks away from the park. He came out of the house wearing different clothes and appeared to have tried to shave his head. Clothes matching those Williams was seen wearing at the time of the shooting were found the next day in a nearby yard.
If convicted, Williams faces up to 60 years in prison.
