Teen paralyzed after being shot at Goddard Walmart speaks after hearing
Oct 31, 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - For the first time since he lost his ability to walk, a teen is facing the man accused of shooting and paralyzing him in a Walmart parking lot in Goddard this past spring.
Ruben Contreras was charged with attempted first-degree murder in the case. Anakin Zehring was called to the witness stand Thursday for the preliminary hearing.
During the preliminary hearing, evidence was presented from body cameras, photos taken on the scene, and surveillance footage. Several witnesses testified, including Anakin himself.
The shooting happened when Anakin and his friends were shooting people with a gel blaster in a Walmart parking lot, hitting a girl who was walking in.
Investigators testified she called her dad, Contreras, who ended up shooting Anakin, paralyzing him, but there is a lot that is disputed about the details.
Previously: Mother of teen shot at Goddard Walmart updates his recovery
The prosecution argues Contreras knew his daughter wasn't in danger but still shot Anakin. The defense said Contreras thought his daughter was in real danger and shot Anakin in her defense.
During the hearing, law enforcement asked Anakin and his dad to stop making comments. They both then left the courtroom before the testimony was complete.
"The frustration is because he's paralyzed, and he can't walk," said Jeremy Zehring. "He's angry. I mean, I'd be angry too, you know? I could show you pictures of him where he'd look like he's on his death bed at times, and I didn't even know if he was gonna make it."
KSN News asked Contreras' representative if they would like to give a statement or an interview. They declined, saying they wanted to wait until the hearing was complete.
There is still no date when the preliminary hearing will resume so the judge can decide whether there is enough evidence to send Contreras to trial.