Police say 23-year-old Everett Graves shot Jaeden Sharpe on Jan. 4. The boy later died after being taken off life support.
Graves is also accused of shooting Sharpe's mom, Lakeisha Holloway. Holloway survived.
A 'Rule 24" hearing was held for Graves in a Durham courtroom Tuesday. Such hearings are standard in first-degree murder cases where prosecutors are seeking the death penalty. The hearing is an opportunity for the judge to sign off and make certain that a capital case defender has been appointed. One has been appointed for Graves.
In addition to the murder charge, Graves is charged with 3 counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, shooting into a vehicle, and violating his parole.
There was no testimony or new details revealed about the case at Thursday's hearing. Sharpe's family and his mother were in court to hear the proceedings. They said they support the decision to seek the death penalty.
"I want him to feel what he has taken away from us. I want him to feel it. I really do because it has to start somewhere because if it continues on, what kind of example is that for the next person who wants to go out there and take someone's life?" asked Sharpe's cousin Sabrinna Winnie.
bout the case at Thursday's hearing. Sharpe's family was in court to hear the proceedings.