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Brashear H.S. Shooting Suspect Held For Trial

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The accused gunman in a November shooting outside Brashear High School was held for trial today.

Anjohnito Willet, 16, is charged with the Nov. 13, 2013, shooting that left three teenagers injured.

At a preliminary hearing, the three Brashear High School students testified they were hit by gunfire last November as they left school, but none of them could see who shot them.

The gunfire came from the woods surrounding the school, according to investigators.

The prosecution had a witness scheduled to testify named Tyrone Harris who police he saw Willet with a gun shortly after hearing the gunshots, but did not see him actually pull the trigger.

Even so, Harris didn't show up today. A detective testified about Harris' statement.

But defense attorney Blaine Jones produced an email which he says was sent to him from Harris taking back those statements.

Reading from the email, Jones told reporters, "And I quote, 'I do not recall the incident or information provided that day. I was under the influence of multiple substances. I', and he gives his name, 'recant my statement with regard to the Anjohnito Willet case.'"

The prosecution also had a witness who told the judge he was uncomfortable testifying without an attorney, but apparently led police to a .357 magnum in a backpack said to belong to Willet.

Police are still awaiting the results of ballistics tests on that gun.

Earlier, a witness who may have been a target testified he was in a fight with Willet a month before. The defense cross-examined him.

"Did Mr. Willet, any time after that, make any threatening gestures or statements towards you; and the young man said no," said Jones. "He said no. I also asked during that argument or fight did Mr. Willet have a weapon, he said no."

Even so, District Judge Kevin Cooper found there was enough evidence to send the case to trial. But he reduced Willet's bond from $500,000 to $100,000.

Willet is facing several charges, including four counts each of criminal attempt homicide and aggravated assault, as well as a minor not to possess a firearm charge.

He is also being charged as an adult and will now head to trial.

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