DeSoto teen found guilty for murder at fair

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A teenager has been convicted in a deadly shooting that occurred at the DeSoto County Fair.

Ryan Watson Jr. was found guilty Friday of murder for the 2023 shooting of 17-year-old Daniel Lopez.

Documents show that Watson was tried as an adult, and his charges are listed as murder in the second degree with a firearm and carrying a concealed firearm.

In Florida, a state attorney can charge a child suspect 14 and older as an adult if they commit one of the felonies outlined in the law, including arson, robbery, kidnapping or murder.

Sentencing is scheduled for Feb. 10.

The crimes carry a possible sentence of 25 years to life.

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