Attorney for teen charged in Madison shooting expects plea, no trial

Austin Hancock, the teen accused in the Feb. 29 shooting at Madison Jr./Sr. High School that injured four students was back in court Tuesday for a hearing that both the prosecution and defense had expected to result in a plea.

Instead, another hearing was set for April 28 for the boy, who has since turned 15 while in the Butler County Juvenile Detention Center.

“There are some issues that came up that need to be worked out,” said Charlie Rittgers, Hancock’s attorney, adding that he expects the case to end in a plea and not go to trial.

Hancock was indicted by a grand jury last month on four counts of attempted murder, four counts of felonious assault and inducing panic. He was also designated as a serious youthful offender, which means that if found guilty of attempted murder, he would have an adult sentence hanging over his head while serving out the juvenile sentence.

Judge Ronald Craft’s courtroom was packed with sheriff’s deputies involved in the case, Hancock’s family and media. The family left without comment.

Rittgers said Hancock’s family was in shock when they learned of the incident.

“It came out of the blue. Austin has never been in trouble before, never shown any signs of violence before, they were in shock as to what happened and their hopes and prayers were for the rapid recovery of the injured,” Rittgers said.

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