Italy High School shooter will be tried as an adult

ITALY, Texas - An Ellis County judge ruled on Tuesday that a 16-year old will be tried as an adult for the Italy High School shooting earlier this year.

Chad Padilla is accused of shooting 16-year-old Noelle Jones in the school cafeteria soon after they arrived on campus on January 22. She was shot six times and is still recovering.

Multiple students and a parent told FOX4 the Chad and Noelle had been in a relationship. They said he was very upset about a breakup.

Prosecutors said Chad wore a trench coat and only stopped shooting when he ran out of ammunition. He also targeted another boy but missed his head.

Chad showed no emotion when the judge ruled his case will be transferred to the adult criminal system.

During the bond hearing that followed the judge's decision, the victim’s mother took the stand and said her daughter gets shot every night in her dreams and is fearful Chad will kill her if he gets out of jail.

During the roughly five-hour hearing, it was revealed that Chad has a history of mental health and behavioral issues dating back to when he was 13 years old. He allegedly stabbed a family dog to death, stabbed a friend and lit baby birds on fire.

Chad’s father testified that he and his mother have tried to get him the help he needs and have sent him to see several doctors and counselors over the course of several years. He said doctors told them there was nothing more they could do for him. Chad’s father believes the medical system has failed his son.

It was also revealed that Chad walked up to Noelle, hugged her and told her "I’m sorry it had to end this way" before he shot her several times with a gun he took from his father's house. He then followed her outside as she collapsed on the floor. Officials say he kept yelling at her, “I can't kill myself now. Say you're sorry."

Chad’s bond has been set at $300,000.