A 15 year old from Manhattan will be tried as an adult in connection with a Riley county first degree murder case, relating to the April 2011 shooting death of fellow Manhattan high school student Tyler Dowling.
That was the ruling issued Thursday afternoon by Riley county district Judge David Stutzman. The ruling follows a two day hearing earlier this month.
Judge Stutzman’s 14 page order says the state’s motion to proceed with adult prosecution should be granted, adding the seriousness and nature of the alleged crimes and the manner oif commission are the dominant factors in the case. The judge goes on to say “the evidence described a calculated killing of a friend, to demonstrate toughness and to impress another whom the juvenile considered a closer friend.”
The final paragraph of Judge Stutzman’s order says “Considering the evidence presented by the state on the alleged crimes…the Court finds that the evidence supports probable cause to believe the two charged crimes were committed, and probable cause to believe that Cole Drake committed those crimes. ”
Drake, who faces charges of first degree murder and aggravated burglary, was also bound over for further proceedings in the Judge’s order.
The entire ruling can be viewed here.
