Murder trial for 14-year-old set to begin Monday

A Bonaire teenager charged with the shooting death of another teen last year is scheduled to go on trial starting Monday.

Kaden Chase Barefoot, 14, who is being tried as an adult, is accused of shooting 16-year-old Ryan Skeen once in the neck in an attempt to rob him of marijuana last October.

Barefoot, who was 13 at the time of the slaying, has pleaded not guilty. He is being on tried on two counts of felony murder, and one count each of malice murder, aggravated assault and attempted armed robbery. Other charges against him were dismissed when he was re-indicted earlier this year.

Skeen was found shot in the driveway of his Franklin Square home and died Oct. 28, 2015, at the Medical Center, Navicent Health. An armed Barefoot had ridden his bicycle over to Skeen’s home.

Skeen was a student at Veterans High School in Kathleen was a member of both the cross country and wrestling teams, according to his obituary. He enjoyed skateboarding and spending time with his family. A candlelight vigil held in his honor after his death was well-attended.

Barefoot is being held without bond at the Crisp County Regional Youth Detention Center.

Houston County District Attorney George Hartwig and Gregory Bushway, one of Barefoot’s Macon attorneys, both declined comment on the case Friday.

Jury selection is expected to begin Monday in Houston County Superior Court. The trial is expected to last three or four days before Chief Judge George Nunn.

This story was originally published October 21, 2016 at 3:09 PM with the headline "Murder trial for 14-year-old set to begin Monday."