Teen paralyzed after being shot in Goddard. Walmart speaks during hearing

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – For the first time since losing his ability to walk, a teen is confronted by the man accused of shooting and paralyzing him in a Walmart parking lot in Goddard last spring.

Rueben Contreras was charged with attempted first-degree murder in the case. Anakin Zehring was called to the witness stand Thursday for the preliminary hearing.

During this preliminary hearing, significant evidence was presented from body cameras and photographs taken at the scene, as well as surveillance footage. Several witnesses testified, including Anakin himself.

The shooting occurred when Anakin and his friends shot people with a gel blaster in a Walmart parking lot, hitting a girl who walked in.

Investigators testified that she called her father Contreras, who ultimately shot Anakin and paralyzed him, but the details are much debated.

Previously: Mother of teen shot at Goddard Walmart provides update on his recovery

The prosecution claims that Contreras knew his daughter was not in danger, but shot Anakin anyway. The defense said Contreras believed his daughter was in real danger and shot Anakin in his defense.

During the hearing, police asked Anakin and his father not to comment further. They then both left the courtroom before the testimony was completed.

“The frustration comes from him being paralyzed and not being able to walk,” said Jeremy Zehring. ‘He’s angry. I mean, I’d be mad too, you know? I could show you pictures of him where sometimes he looks like he’s on his deathbed, and I didn’t even know if he was going to make it.”

KSN asked Contreras’ representative if they would like to make a statement or interview. They refused, saying they wanted to wait until the hearing was over.

We still don’t have a date for when the preliminary hearing will take place again so the judge can decide if there is enough evidence to send Contreras to trial.

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