A former North Platte High School teen is one of two defendants accused of murdering a 22-year-old man in Centennial Park last month.

Brayden Turner and Jesus Martinez, both 16, have been charged with first-degree felony murder and use of a firearm to commit a felony. Lincoln County Attorney Rebecca Harling said the felony murder is a result of robbery “because they committed a felony [robbery], and somebody died.”

Ethan Pohlmeier died of multiple gunshot wounds on Sept. 14, according to Harling. The same night NPHS played football against Grand Island at Bauer Field, the two Grand Island teens and Pohlmeier were allegedly engaged in a low-level narcotics deal. “During that transaction, a dispute erupted which ultimately led to the escalation and shooting of Ethan,” said North Platte Police Chief Daniel Hudson.

Harling believes the murder was premeditated. “They knew what they were going to do when they headed this way from Grand Island,” she said.

Turner, who attended NPHS last year, and Martinez have both been charged as adults, despite their age. “They killed somebody,” Harling said. Juvenile court and detention only lasts until you’re 19 years of age. “They’d be held accountable for two and a half years,” she said, ”which doesn’t seem sufficient for taking a life.”

If convicted, Turner and Martinez could each face concurrent prison sentences, starting with 40 years to life for the felony murder charge, and an additional 20 years for the use of a firearm to commit a felony. However, Turner and Martinez have the right to request their case to be moved to juvenile court.

The police currently have two key pieces of evidence in custody: a small-caliber handgun, believed to be the murder weapon, and a green vehicle. As the court hearings progress, Harling said that more evidence will be brought to light. For now, authorities are asking for the public’s patience as the investigation continues. “You’re not supposed to try issues in the press,” Harling said, “you’re supposed to try issues in the court.”