PORTLAND, Maine — A teenager accused of plotting a potential mass shooting at South Portland High School in early 2023 was in court for the second half of his hearing Tuesday.
The teen is facing charges of arson, solicitation for murder, and terrorism and the hearing will determine if he is to be tried as an adult or a juvenile.
The first day, Feb. 29, had testimony from the teenager's friend along with doctors. The second day had testimony from criminal justice professionals and psychologists.
NEWS CENTER Maine also had a firsthand look at Snapchat videos allegedly posted by the defendant, posing with guns and throwing Molotov Cocktails in parking lots. Other videos showed the defendant lighting a pride flag on fire, and ripping up a second pride flag.
The state continuously tried to poke holes in the testimony of the psychologists who reviewed the teen's mental health, by insinuating that the doctors didn't have the full scope of what the teen had said or allegedly planned.
The defense for the teen questioned their medical professional witnesses in an attempt to show the teen did not intend to hurt anyone physically, despite making serious and hateful claims.
A larger debate around the case circulated, posing the question; could the juvenile justice system in Maine properly care for someone like the defendant?
Some of the doctors interviewed said they had concerns about the teen being placed at Long Creek Youth Development Center in South Portland, calling it a "pressure cooker" for emotions. Others said an adult prison would be too hard on the developing mind of the defendant.
Both sides finished with their witnesses on Tuesday and will reconvene on March 12 for closing statements. The judge indicated he wanted a decision made by the end of that day.