Family of teen held at Rikers hopes for his release

<p>A Bronx mother is continuing her fight to get her teenage son accused in a 2015 shooting released from Rikers Island.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jun 29, 2017, 9:33 PM

Updated 2,503 days ago

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A Bronx mother is continuing her fight to get her teenage son accused in a 2015 shooting released from Rikers Island.
Pedro Hernandez, 17, has spent more than a year at Rikers in connection with the shooting. Since his arrest, family members claim the prosecution has delayed a trial date, requesting more time. In court Thursday, the district attorney's office asked for 13 more days in the case.
Hernandez is charged with criminal possession of a weapon in a shooting on Boston Road and East 168th Street that injured another teen. On Thursday, a Bronx judge offered Hernandez a plea bargain under a youthful offender status, which would keep him on probation for five years but avoid a trial. Hernandez turned down the plea deal.
Private investigator Manuel Gomez has been working with the family. He says NYPD officers involved in Hernandez's arrest are currently under investigation.
While in prison, Hernandez has earned his high school diploma and a leadership award. He has also been awarded a college scholarship. His mother says she's proud that her son has remained strong and has kept on the right track.
The Hernandez case is set to go to trial July 12.
News 12 reached out to the NYPD for comment but did not hear back. The district attorney's office says it could not comment on the case.


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