15-year-old charged after shooting two children in Aurora

Aurora police respond to basketball court at 12300 East Ford Avenue (KDVR)

DENVER (KDVR) — Prosecutors have charged a 15-year-old with felony and misdemeanor charges after an 11-year-old and a 15-year-old were shot at an Aurora apartment complex.

According to the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the 15-year-old faces charges of possession of a dangerous weapon and two misdemeanors: possession of a pistol by a minor and obstructing a peace officer.

The June 19 shooting occurred on a basketball court at an apartment complex in the 12000 block of East Ford Avenue. Police said the 15-year-old had an illegally modified firearm — equipped with an automatic switch that turns a semi-automatic firearm into an automatic weapon — but did not say , whether this weapon was used in the shooting.

A 14-year-old was also arrested the night of the shooting on three outstanding warrants for assault and criminal mischief, but no charges had been filed as of Wednesday.

The police did not share details about the suspected involvement of both teenagers in the case.

Aurora police told FOX31 they believe the victims knew the suspects. Last week, the victims’ family said the victims were doing well physically but still struggling with mental problems.

Aurora police told FOX31 information earlier this month that shows an increase in shootings involving minors in recent years:

• 2020: 19 minor shootings
• 2021: 43 shootings of minors, including three fatalities
• 2022: 46 shootings involving minors, including three fatalities
• 2023: Five people died in 53 juvenile shootings

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 (STOP).