CALDWELL, Idaho — A 16-year-old boy has been found guilty of first-degree murder and robbery in the shooting death of another teenager last year.
Juan Manuel Menchaca Olvera, who was charged as an adult despite his age, was convicted Wednesday by a jury.
Police identified Menchaca Olvera at the gunman who opened fire on 16-year-old Roberto Gomez in the street near his home at Powell Avenue and 11th Avenue North Sept. 25. Paramedics rushed Gomez to the hospital, but he did not survive.
According to investigators, Gomez was killed the same days Menchaca Olvera robbed him at gunpoint. The slaying went unsolved for months.
Menchaca Olvera was ultimately indicted, along with three other teens and four adults, in December.
Several of the other suspects have already pleaded guilty to charges ranging from perjury to harboring a felon to destroying evidence connected to the case. Several more are still awaiting trial. Prosecutors dismissed murder and robbery charges levied against Menchaca Olvera's mother, Maribel Menchaca.
Menchaca Olvera faces up to life in prison at his Aug. 19 sentencing.
