First Court Appearances for the Two Juveniles Involved with Holcom Park Shooting

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that two juveniles had court appearances today (Tuesday, April 2, 2019) in Douglas County District Court for their involvement with the double shooting that occurred Friday afternoon at Holcom Park.  The Court determined both juveniles would be detained and would remain in the custody of the Juvenile Detention Center. 

17-year-old Topeka resident Sahavione K. Caraway/19JV39 is charged with two counts of attempted first degree murder and two counts of aggravated robbery.  The next court date for Caraway was set for May 22 at 1:30 p.m. in the Juvenile Division. 

17-year-old Topeka resident Benson J. Edwards, Jr./19JV40 is charged with two counts of attempted first degree murder, two counts of aggravated robbery, and one count of criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The next court date for Edwards was set for May 15 at 2:00 p.m. in the Juvenile Division. 

Attached with this release are copies of the complaints filed in the cases.  It is anticipated that no further updates will be available until after the juveniles’ next court dates. 

All defendants/juveniles are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  Charges are merely allegations of criminal conduct. 

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*Rule 226 - Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct

3.6 Advocate: Trial Publicity

3.8 Advocate: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor