COLUMBUS, Ohio — A 16-year-old charged with the murder of two teens in an attempted robbery last year pleaded not guilty in court Friday.
Terrell Hicks-Freeman was arrested on Aug. 24, 2022 for his alleged involvement in a crime in June 2022. The Columbus Division of Police said Hicks-Freeman, Baron Anderson and Mahky Andrews tried to rob two teenagers during a gun sale.
Police said gunshots were exchanged, killing 15-year-old Andrews and 18-year-old Layton Ridgedell. Hicks-Freeman and Anderson are charged with their murders.
Shawn Bobst, the mother of Ridgedell, went to court on Friday and told 10TV she misses her son.
“He was always happy, always smiling, always loving on his little sister. He was just a really good kid,” said Bobst.
She said her son was in the wrong place at the wrong time and the last year and a half has been tough.
“I can’t even explain it. It’s horrific. Every time a court date comes, I can’t concentrate, I can’t sleep. I just re-live it. I have re-lived it,” she said.
Bobst said she wants justice for her son.
"He didn’t deserve this, he didn’t have a gun he was running away,” said Bobst.
Kevin Zamora is the defense attorney for Hicks-Freeman. He said the judge's decision to raise the bond was not the outcome they wanted.
“We are respectfully disappointed with the increased bond amount considering his constitutional presumption of innocence,” said Zamora.
Zamora said his client did not pull the trigger, he was there as the driver. He is looking forward to what’s next.
“We are confident going to trial will result in an acquittal for him,” said Zamora.