Teen not charged in 12-year-old shooting death

A teenager arrested in connection with the shooting death of a 12-year-old boy will not face homicide charges at this time. Carlos Maldonado, 18, was arraigned on weapons charges on Monday in Chula Vista Superior Court. He pleaded not guilty to possessing a concealed firearm without a serial number. Maldonado, a high school senior, was arrested for weapons offenses linked to events on February 4 and 6. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison. Last week, he was also connected to the November 15 shooting that killed seventh-grader Elijah Smith and injured four others. However, the investigation into that shooting is still ongoing. During the hearing, Deputy District Attorney Kerry Conway noted Maldonado's alleged gang affiliation. She mentioned that he posted a video on social media showing him with a firearm, taunting a rival gang in their territory. This led prosecutors to request a higher bail due to the potential flight risk. The judge set bail at $50,000 and ordered Maldonado to avoid known gang members if he is released. The shooting occurred during a party at an abandoned house in National City, where Elijah was shot and died before reaching the hospital. Meanwhile, both families of Maldonado and Elijah were present in court, with Smith's family wearing shirts to honor their son.