Mattoon High School shooting suspect waives jury trial

CHARLESTON, Ill. (AP) - An Illinois high school student accused of shooting a classmate last year has waived his right to a jury trial.

Typically, suspects in juvenile cases are limited to a trial by judge. However, Coles County Circuit Judge Matt Sullivan made a blended juvenile and adult prison sentence possible, opening up the option for a jury trial.

Sullivan on Friday scheduled an adjudicatory hearing, the juvenile court system's version of a trial, for Sept. 14.

The September 2017 shooting in the Mattoon High School cafeteria left one student hospitalized.

Authorities say a teacher grabbed the boy's arm as he fired at a girl. The gunshot missed the girl but hit another student.

The shooter, who is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, is being held in a juvenile detention facility.