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Family of teen charged in 12-year-old's murder says ‘he didn't do it'

Posted at 7:33 PM, Nov 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-29 11:08:59-05

One teen, cuffed behind his back and before a judge, the other picked up by police.

"He was not caught, he turned himself in this morning," said the great-grandmother of the second teen arrested in this case.

Both are facing charges, including aggravated murder, for the shooting that killed 12-year-old Abdel Bashiti and injured five other teens. They could be charged as adults.

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Abdel was caught in the crossfire right outside of his father's beauty supply store.

The great-grandmother of the second teen arrested in this case said her grandson is innocent.

"I know he didn't do it! I know he didn't do it!"

She also expressed sadness over Abdel's senseless death.

"It is bad on any parent. It is bad on any family."

She said her grandson was raised in a good family by a single mother who worked hard to give him what she could.

"It is a terrible situation, and the parent shouldn't be blamed for what their children do."

She reserved that blame for the mayor, saying not enough is being done to keep guns off the streets.

"It's the gun issue!" she said. "The mayor should be doing something about these kids getting guns from people on the street."