Prosecutors this week dropped murder charges against 17-year-old Gabriel Barron in the 2015 shooting death of Gianni Aguirre, a move praised by the defense attorney who cited issues with scientific evidence and witness credibility in the case.
“I think the state’s attorney made the right decision based on the way evidence was coming in,” attorney Liam Dixon said Thursday.
Barron, of Aurora, was 16 when prosecutors accused him of the shooting in February 2015 outside Aguirre’s home in the 100 block of Bluff Street. Authorities previously said the pair exchanged words before Barron shot Aguirre in the chest during the daytime incident. Barron pleaded not guilty after being indicted last year. Dixon said Barron was acting in self defense.
The murder charges triggered a mandatory transfer to adult court for Barron, who appeared for a number of status hearings over the last 18 months. Prosecutors on Thursday cited juvenile court rules for declining to comment. Members of Aguirre’s family could not be reached for comment.
Barron, who had been held on $2 million bail since his arrest, is now free, according to Dixon.
Dixon described Barron as “relieved and excited” by the developments.
“This was a life-altering event for him,” Dixon explained.
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Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for the Beacon-News.