JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Henry Hayes IV, 16, sat in the front Friday at the Duval County Courthouse…hand cuffed and in a brown jumpsuit signifying he’s being tried as an adult.
His sister and father sat quietly in the front row as the judge read out a long list of charges including, murder and attempted murder. The judge also denied him bond.
A group of more than seven people showed up to support the 16-year-old.
Police believe Hayes killed 22-month-old Aiden McClendon during drive-by shooting fueled by a feud between rival gangs.
As Hayes was being escorted out relatives yelled out, “I love you babe, God got you.”
Action News Jax spoke with Hayes’ father and sister following the bond hearing.
“He’s innocent,” said Henry Hayes III.
His sister, Cynthia Hayes, got emotional inside the court room as the judge read the charges out loud. Outside she said she has faith that her brother is innocent.
“I don’t know nothing, I just know to walk by faith and not by sight,” said Cynthia Hayes.
Hayes did not get a public defender during Friday’s hearing, he told the judge he would wait to see if his father could appoint him a lawyer. Hayes is due back in court on March 31.
Police said 23-year-old D'Angelo Wilson was also involved in the shooting death of toddler Aiden McClendon. Investigators say the deadly shooting was gang-related.
Police are still looking for one more suspect in the shooting.