LAFAYETTE, Ind. ― Keaton Compton supposedly was going to let a 15-year-old boy take the fall for Compton shooting at a pickup truck on Commanche Trail on Nov. 14, 2023, according to prosecutors who charged six people for the incident.
The teenager was supposed to take the rap because Compton, a convicted felon, would face a long prison sentence if he's convicted of charges, according to prosecutors.
The teenager was supposed to fight one of teens in the pickup truck, according to what suspects told police.
More: Teens driving on Lafayette's southside shot at by people in another car
Compton, 27, of the 300 block of East South Street in Frankfort, faces 23 charges that accuse him of shooting at the pickup truck that had three teenagers in it.
Those charges include attempted murder, various charges of attempted battery, intimidation, criminal recklessness and criminal mischief. He's also charged with obstruction of justice, unlawful carrying of a handgun, and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.
Compton also faces a sentence-enhancing charge of being a habitual offender, which can add up to 20 additional years in prison for a Level 1 felony conviction.
Other people who were in the Jeep from which someone shot at the pickup also were charged.
Manuel Vega, 21, of the 2400 block of Sauk Place in Lafayette, was the driving the Jeep as it followed the pickup truck that was hit by gunshots, according to prosecutors.
Manuel Vega faces 16 charges, including several felony battery and intimidation charges. Additionally, he faces charges of criminal recklessness, obstruction of justice and unlawful possession of a handgun.
The pistol used in the shooting belonged to Wyatt Williams, 22, of the 400 block of East Clinton Street in Frankfort, according to prosecutors. He told police he took the gun because they suspected the teens the boy was supposed to fight had guns, according to prosecutors. Williams bought the gun at a pawn store and after the shooting gave it to Manuel Vega, according to prosecutors.
Compton eventually came to possess the handgun and sold it earlier this year, according to prosecutors.
Lazaro Vega, 19, of the 2400 block of Sauk Place in Lafayette, and Madison Heathcote, 19, both face charges of assisting a criminal and false informing. Additionally, Lazaro Vega faces a charge of obstruction of justice.
The 16-year-old boy who prosecutors said was going to take the fall for Compton now faces serious charges of his own. Prosecutors charged the boy with battery, intimidation with a deadly weapon, criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a dangerous person.
Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: 6 people charged in connection with Nov. 14 shooting in Lafayette
Most Popular
Comments / 0