WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A man charged with shooting and paralyzing a high school senior outside a Goddard Walmart last year has pleaded not guilty.
Ruben Contreras entered the plea Thursday in Sedgwick County District Court. He is charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery.
Man pleads not guilty in Halloween shooting case
The shooting happened on May 11, 2024, outside the Walmart in Goddard. Authorities say 18-year-old Anakin Zehring and friends were firing a toy gel blaster in the parking lot when they hit a girl. Investigators say she called her father, Contreras, who came to the scene and shot Zehring.
Zehring, a Campus High School senior, was critically injured and is now paralyzed.
A preliminary hearing included video evidence and witness testimony, including from Zehring. Prosecutors say Contreras knew his daughter wasn’t in danger; the defense argues he was protecting her…