LANDFALL — A 17-year-old juvenile, being charged in connection to an Independence Day weekend assault in a gated community, was released a day after his $50,000 secured bond was posted.
The minor — who is being tried as an adult — faces a charge in the assault of security guard Russell James, a 40-year employee of the Country Club at Landfall. The teenager was arrested for assault inflicting serious bodily injury, with court documents stating the victim’s injuries are “potentially permanent.”
James suffered a black eye, concussion, vision impairment and other injuries from the July 3 attack. A video that circulated social media after the event shows one teen punching James, while another indicates a group of teens attacking a different man on a golf cart. The adolescents then walked up to the camera shouting “We run s**t in Wilmington” and “Let’s f**king go!”
READ MORE: Juvenile suspect in Landfall assault to be tried as adult
The 17-year-old’s $50,000 bond had special conditions attached to it, including house arrest and electronic monitoring administered by New Hanover County pretrial. Under the terms for the juvenile’s house arrest, he can only leave his residence for medical care, attorney appointments and court appearances — all of which must be in the company of a parent.
Additionally, the minor cannot utilize social media or contact James, anyone else charged in the incident, or Clay Emerson and Steven Satrazemis — listed in court documents as being either witnesses or victims. Emerson would not speak to Port City Daily about the incident in early July and instead deferred to his lawyer.
Two additional teens were also charged in the July 3 assault. One faces assault inflicting serious injury and disorderly conduct by fighting; the other was charged with two counts of assault inflicting serious injury and disorderly conduct by fighting, bringing the total number of those charged in the case to three.
Representative for New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office, Samantha Dooies, told Port City Daily the other two teens will not be charged as adults under state statute 7B-2202.5. The statute says anyone 16 years or older who commits a class F or G felony will automatically be transferred from juvenile to Superior Court.
Due to their status as minors the district attorney’s office could not comment on the custody status of the two teens going through juvenile court.
According to Wilmington Police Department spokesperson Ronald Evans, the case will not be closed until it moves through the court system. However, WPD does not expect to bring forward further charges.
The suspect who made bond will have an administrative hearing Monday, Sept. 14, at the New Hanover County Courthouse. During administrative court bonds, pretrial hearings and pleas are typically discussed.
“He [the defendant] will appear on that calendar, but it is possible that he will not appear in person,” Doolies said in an email to Port City Daily.
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