A 16-year-old Fowler boy accused in a shooting that injured two people in Fresno’s Tower District will remain in juvenile detention following a court hearing Wednesday.

Fresno County Superior Court Judge Amythest Freeman ordered the teenager to remain in custody during a detention hearing at the Juvenile Justice Campus.

The teen denied all allegations and enhancements filed against him during the proceeding.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the teenager faces one count of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and two counts of assault with a firearm.

Prosecutors also filed enhancements alleging he intentionally discharged a firearm and caused great bodily injury to both victims.

Defense Attorney Objects to Media’s Presence

Defense attorney Nicholas Reyes objected to members of the media being present. Freeman ruled that the hearing was open to the public because of the allegations involved but ordered that the minor not be identified.

The teenager’s parents and cousin attended the hearing.

While walking to his seat, the teen looked toward his family and appeared to smirk.

Freeman also ordered that the teenager be allowed to make a phone call to his family within 24 hours.

The next hearing, scheduled for Nov. 17 at 8:30 a.m., will address the case’s status.

Reyes declined to comment to reporters following the hearing.

Teen Arrested Following Tower District Shooting

Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto announced Monday that the 16-year-old boy from Fowler had been arrested Sunday night in connection with the shooting outside MIA Nightclub.

Casto previously said the teenager was expected to face an attempted murder charge.

The shooting occurred shortly after midnight Sunday when an altercation between two groups escalated and a gunman fired nine rounds at close range, police said.

Two people were struck, including an uninvolved bystander waiting in line to enter the nightclub. Both suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Investigators identified the suspected shooter using surveillance footage, videos provided by community members, and other evidence, Casto said.

The teen was arrested Sunday night after Fresno and Fowler police, along with the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium, surrounded a residence connected to him.

The shooting was the fourth reported in the Tower District since May, prompting Fresno officials to announce increased police patrols, additional lighting and security cameras, and new parking and vendor restrictions aimed at improving public safety.

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