Shanika Nicole Mitchell had her bond set at $1 million Monday afternoon during a brief appearance in Bladen County District Court.
Mitchell, 17, is one of four people charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of 24-year-old Darrell Dionte Council in November. The shooting occurred at the intersection of Twisted Hickory Road and Center Road near Dublin.
Mitchell, wearing a pink prison jumpsuit in court Tuesday, also was told that because of her age that should could not be given the death penalty if she was found guilty. The maximum punishment would be life in prison. She is being held at the Sampson County Jail.
The state requested a $2 million bond, but Judge Fred Gore set bond at $1 million after listening to arguments from Assistant District Attorney Glenn Emery and Mitchell’s lawyer, Michael McGuinness.
“She’s been polite and professional with me in my meetings with her,” McGuinness said. “She had been attending school at West Bladen. She appears to have been cooperative with detectives and has given a statement. She tells me she’s a straight-A student.”
Mitchell was listed on the A honor roll for the first nine weeks that was released by West Bladen High School in November.
Mitchell’s next court date is scheduled Dec. 29.
Mitchell’s brother, Montise Mitchell, 24, along with D’Nazya Sade Downing, 20, and Christopher James Baldwin, 25, also are charged with first degree murder in the case. All remain in custody.
Council was shot on the evening of Sunday, Nov. 8 while he and his brother were sitting in a vehicle at the intersection, according to the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office. Two men approached the vehicle and started shooting. Council attempted to drive away from the scene and crashed into a ditch. His brother was not injured and left the vehicle to get help.
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