Juvenile searches conducted after social media posts show weapons, alcohol; tied to memorial for teen homicide victim
SCOTTSBLUFF — Scottsbluff Police and District 12 Probation Officers searched three homes Friday after social media posts surfaced showing juvenile probationers with weapons and alcohol.
The posts were reportedly made following an altercation at a memorial for 15-year-old Wyatt Reeb, who was fatally stabbed earlier this year.
Authorities said the images and videos posted online showed juveniles in possession of firearms, knives and alcohol. Due to the potentially dangerous nature of the posts, probation officers and police conducted searches at three residences linked to the juveniles on May 23.
During the searches, authorities found drug paraphernalia, alcohol and several realistic-looking toy and airsoft guns made to resemble real firearms. One juvenile was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. No other citations or arrests were reported.
“The top priority of the Scottsbluff Police Department is the safety of the public as well as the safety and rehabilitation of juvenile probationers,” the department said in a statement. “We will continue to assist District 12 Probation when requested and respond to any behavior that poses a risk to the community.”
Reeb was stabbed to death in January. Corey Rotherham Jr. has pleaded not guilty to charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder and aiding and abetting the use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony in connection with Reeb’s death. His pretrial hearing has been scheduled for July 16.
Also charged in the case are co-defendants Devante Castellaw, Ramon Enriquez III, and Dimitri Enriquez, all of Scottsbluff.