The Aurora Police Department announced the arrest of a second teenage suspect in the deadly shooting that occurred at the Southlands mall in Aurora. The incident, which took place on September 30, resulted in the death of 15-year-old Raphael Velin. On Wednesday, a 17-year-old boy was apprehended on felony charges of second-degree murder and aggravated robbery, as stated in a news release by the department.
This follows the previous surrender of a 16-year-old boy in October, who turned himself in and is facing charges of second-degree murder, aggravated robbery, and failing to report an accident to police. Both suspects, due to their minor status, have not been publicly identified.
Aurora Police are still actively seeking to identify and locate additional suspects and witnesses in connection with the case. Chief Art Acevedo, speaking shortly before the first arrest, indicated that there were a total of five suspects, all either juveniles or young adults, involved in the fatal incident. According to Acevedo, the suspects had met Velin at the mall to conduct illicit activities.
Ian Liu, an employee at Mt. Fuji Sushi & Hibachi in the mall, noted that a large group of teenagers, including students from Smoky Hill and Grandview high schools, were present in the area celebrating homecoming at the time of the shooting.
The Aurora Police Department urges anyone with information related to the shooting to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
