Two Georgia teenage brothers were given the riot act during their first court appearance after being accused of shooting at other teenagers at a party.
Local ABC affiliate WSB was in the courtroom when Clayton County Magistrate Court Judge Latrevia Kates-Johnson admonished two teenage brothers charged as adults in connection with a January shooting.
Dwayne Tolbert, 14, and Major Tolbert, 13, were arrested on Tuesday and charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, reckless conduct, and possession of a firearm.
During a video appearance on Thursday, Kates-Johnson described their alleged crime as “senseless,” telling the brothers, “I just don’t know what to say.”
According to WSB, the Tolbert brothers allegedly shot at other teenagers at a January birthday party after being invited and then kicked out.
A fight reportedly erupted, and one or both of the boys allegedly opened fire. An unnamed minor was allegedly shot in the leg.
The teenagers allegedly boasted about the shooting in an Instagram video.
Dwayne Tolbert tried to explain to the judge that it was their cousin’s party, but Kates-Johnson interrupted him before he could potentially incriminate himself.
The boys were informed by Kates-Johnson: “It’s senseless, and y’all could have killed somebody, literally killed somebody, murdered somebody shooting like that.”
She also warned them, “This is no joke, when you’re out here shooting guns!”
Kates-Johnson said before their first appearance, “It’s heartbreaking to see y’all young people where you are, and I’m seeing it every single day.” She went on: “Maybe y’all could be a voice for other juveniles.”
Kates-Johnson denied bond for both boys, saying, “I understand your parents are devastated. She has two sons incarcerated.”
