VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A teenaged girl accused of shooting at Volusia County deputies in June 2021 rejected the state’s final offer for a plea deal.
The state offered the girl a plea deal of 20 years followed by probation. During a court hearing on Thursday, the 15-year-old rejected the offer and her trial was set for February. Now, she faces a possible life sentence, if convicted.
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The teen, who was 14 years old at the time of the shootout, is one of two foster children accused of breaking into a home and using guns inside to fire at the deputies who responded to the scene in Enterprise.
A 13-year-old boy, who was 12 at the time of the shooting, was with the teen and entered a no contest plea deal in March.
The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said the two opened fire on deputies, who were shot at for about 30 minutes. Eventually, the girl came outside with the shotgun leveled at deputies, according to the sheriff’s office, forcing them to return fire.
“They positioned themselves by a bedroom door and from my tactical experience, I was amazed the young lady took the position at the door with a shotgun and it was to the point it looked like she was waiting for our deputies to come in,” said Sgt. Donnie Maxwell, who hid behind a tree as he was fired at.
The deputies were cleared by the 7th District State Attorney’s Office after reviewing reports and witness statements.
Records show both children have histories of mental health issues and have been held for psychological evaluations several times under the Baker Act.
News 6 initially decided to name and show pictures of the 12-year-old and 14-year-old due to the seriousness of the incident and the charges they face. However, after learning of their mental history, News 6 will not be showing the boy or girl or naming them in future coverage.
The girl’s trial is set to begin on Feb. 27.
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