WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, SportsTeen accused of shooting councilman's son pleads not guilty

The 16-year-old accused of shooting the son of a Baton Rouge councilman appeared in court for arraignment Tuesday morning.

Tyler Coleman is charged with one count of attempted murder and three counts of armed robbery. He pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. Attorney Bruce Craft represents Coleman.

By law, prosecutors have 30 days to bring the case to trial. The juvenile court judge has set a March 15 trial date.

District Attorney Hillar Moore said he has not decided if he will try Coleman as an adult or not. "It is what it is, but bottom line is is that this is youth violence and drugs, so lets keep focused with what were really dealing with, not who the participants are," said Moore.

"This is a tragic set of circumstances. But more, the laws in the court room were bound by the laws of evidence and the facts of the case and we view it at this time there are serious questions about the identity of the shooter," said Craft.

Thomas Loupe, 16, was paralyzed when he was shot on Feb. 3 in the 1600 block of Mary Lou Drive. He is the son of Metro Councilman Chandler Loupe.

Terrance Thornton, 18, was also arrested in connection with the shooting.

He was charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted armed robbery and possession of marijuana. Juvenile court rules require a trial within thirty days, so the judge set March 15th as the trial date.

A Baton Rouge police detective testified in Juvenile Court on Feb. 8 that Thornton told police during questioning he saw Coleman get into a car driven by Loupe's friend.

Loupe was in the passenger's seat when Coleman allegedly demanded cash.

According to police, Loupe gave Coleman $85 and that's when Coleman allegedly fired two shots, one of which hit Loupe.

Authorities said three teens were "participating in an illegal activity." There is word it was possibly a drug deal.

A 15-year-old boy was booked into the Juvenile Detention Center on a charge of attempted possession of marijuana.

Police said there was also a 17-year-old with the two 15-year-old boys. The 17-year-old was not charged.

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