HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The 14-year-old Hutchinson teen who entered a plea to a single count of conspiracy to commit capital murder before his case could go to a bench trial will serve three years and nine months in a juvenile detention center.
Ayrton “Alex” Marroquin and 15-year-old Carson Cabral are both now guilty of making threats against officials at Hutch High.
The state wanted Marroquin in a juvenile detention facility until he’s 22 and a half years old with six months of aftercare. The defense wanted him placed on community corrections, noting that he had already been in custody 128 days. Judge Patty Macke Dick, although sympathetic believing he made a bad decision, says all decisions have consequences. The judge split the difference in ordering the nearly four years in juvenile detention.
Prior to the sentenced being handed down, the parents, both emotional as they spoke, asked that she not sentence him to the maximum. His mother questioned whether it’s fair to require him to stay in detention when the defendants in similar cases were not. His father says he still expects great things for his son.
Hutchinson High School Principal Ron Reems sought the maximum, saying he caused a lot of fear and anxiety at the school.
Marroquin acknowledged what he did was wrong and apoligized to the teachers and other staff at the school. He says he knew when he was first taken into custody that he needed to change. He also welcomed any psychiatric counseling the court might order.
The two teens were arrested after several students came forward to express concerns about a threat to students. Officers were called in to investigate, and the two were then taken into custody.
Several search warrants were issued, which turned up plans for making pipe bombs, as well as sketches and plans of where certain teachers and staff would be so they could be targeted. Police also recovered items that could be used to build explosive devices, which were confiscated by law enforcement.
A psychiatric evaluation was ordered for Marroquin as well as a predisposition report prior to Tuesday’s hearing. It showed that the teen suffered from depression and is now taking antidepressants.