ECTOR COUNTY, Texas — According to court records, 17-year-old Khaleel Ashton Burford was found guilty of first degree murder by a grand jury Wednesday.
According to the records, Burford's arraignment hearing will be on Sept. 19.
The teenager was certified as an adult and "Capable of Standing Trail" for the murder that occurred back in December 2022.
The Ector County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to 13953 Firewater Trail in regard to a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, deputies found then 19-year-old Jeremiah Padilla with a gunshot wound. He would later succumb to his injuries at the scene.
Then on March 14, 2023, a search warrant was executed by the ECSO Criminal Investigation Division in the 1300 Block of Whitaker related to the shooting incident from back in December 2022. A male Juvenile, Burford, was arrested at that time and sent to the Ector County Youth Center.
On Aug. 21, Ector County Sheriff Mike Griffis said Burford had a hearing in the County Court at Law #1 where he was certified as an adult.
Burford was then booked into the Ector County Jail that same day. On Aug. 22, Burford was released from jail after posting bond.
On Aug. 30, Burford was found guilty of first degree murder by a grand jury, with his arraignment hearing set for Sept. 19.