Prosecutors want teen accused of killing a Merced father to be tried as an adult

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Merced prosecutors are pushing for harsher punishment for a 16-year-old charged in the death of 34-year-old Jose Mireles back in April. Through his attorney, the teen surrendered at the Merced Police Department.

Prosecutors at the District Attorney's Office said they have filed charges, along with a motion to charge the teen as an adult.

"It's a homicide case; there's a lot of gang overtones to the case-- gun violence. Anytime this kind of, this kind of violence and crime is not acceptable in Merced County," Rob Carroll, Chief Deputy DA, said.

Mireles was gunned down in front of his home at an apartment complex along San Mateo Court. Police said the victim's kids were inside the home when shooting occurred.

Sgt. Curtis Gorman said the suspect has not spoken with officers, but does say the teen was on probation at the time of the homicide.

"In the direction he was firing there were kids, and innocent bystanders. He clearly has no regard for public safety."

Attorneys said a motion was filed and now the judge will decide whether to transfer the teen to adult court based on a report from the probation department. This is the first time they have done it this way after the passing of Proposition 57.

"We could directly file certain types of cases directly into adult court. Now we have to go through this process of having this hearing," said Carroll.

Authorities are not releasing the name of the suspect because he is underage. They did say he was booked into the Merced County Juvenile Correction Center after he surrendered to police.

The Public Defender's Office said the teen has not been appointed an attorney yet.

If the teen is charged as an adult, he could face 50 years to life for the crime.