Three 15-year-old boys in Colorado are in custody in connection with the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old during a carjacking, authorities said.
On the evening of Jan. 20, Nasier Graham, a high school student, was shot and killed in an apartment complex parking lot in Loveland and his vehicle was stolen.
“We’re not aware of any specific link between the suspects and victim,” Police Chief Tim Doran told KDVR. “So, it was random, senseless murder.”
Police said the three 15-year-old boys in the case then got into the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene.
Minutes later, police said, the suspects got into a collision with a 16-year-old boy, who they allegedly shot.
That victim was hospitalized and was listed in stable condition.
On Jan. 31, police arrested the first suspect and the second suspect was taken into custody two days later. Both were charged with multiple counts, including murder, attempted murder, assault, aggravated robbery, vehicle theft, and weapons possession. The third boy was arrested on Feb. 5 and charges are pending, officials said.
“Nas was not just some anybody. He was loved by his family, his friends, his coworkers, his school members and his coaches, and we looked forward to seeing him get married, have children, do what all teenagers do,” family spokesperson Okema Bassett said, KDVR reported.
Bassett added: “We are just sad and broken and we look forward to the conviction of these three criminals. We’ll see you at court.”