LIMA — A Lima teenager charged in the shooting death of a 19-year-old man appeared in juvenile court for the first time Monday after his arrest near Piqua during the weekend.
During a detention hearing, 16-year-old Albert A. McDowell III was ordered to remain at the Allen County Juvenile Detention Center until a full hearing can be scheduled, Judge Glenn Derryberry ruled during a brief court appearance.
McDowell appeared in court with his mother and each declined to comment on the case other than to say they understood when Derryberry instructed them on the teenager’s rights.
Assistant Allen County Prosecutor Holly Urbanick said the prosecution plans to file a mandatory bindover, which means McDowell could be tried as an adult. Urbanick said the state is allowed this option because McDowell is at least 16 years old and has been charged with a serious offense.
Urbanick argued McDowell should remain in detention because of the seriousness of the offense and the fact that he had been on the run. Before his arrest Saturday, McDowell had evaded police for nearly a month before he was captured near a rest area off Interstate 75.
McDowell is the chief suspect in the death of 19-year-old Da’Veon Petaway on March 7 at a Lima convenience store. Petaway was shot once in the abdomen at Meat City, 801 E. Kibby St. He was pronounced dead a short time later at the hospital. Officials said Petaway used his last dying breath to tell officers McDowell shot him.
The state has already filed a complaint against McDowell, alleging he purposefully caused Petaway’s death. The state plans to try McDowell for one count of murder with a gun specification.
Though Monday’s hearing was tied solely to the allegation that McDowell shot Petaway, police officials said he may be linked to another murder.
Detective Steve Stechschulte of the Lima Police Department said McDowell was the “primary participant” in the Petaway shooting and the slaying of Petaway’s brother, Khylil Florence, in January 2015. Another teen, 17-year-old Damere Crockett, was convicted in that slaying and sentenced to 12 years in prison, but investigators said they believe McDowell also was involved.
McDowell’s next court appearance has not been scheduled.
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