Charge Added in Boy’s Shooting

Acharge of first-degree burglary was added Thursday to a list of crimes filed against a Ventura man who prosecutors say shot a boy who had struck his car with a baseball by accident.

Brian Adams, 21, pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted first-degree murder and first-degree burglary in Ventura County Municipal Court on Thursday, prosecutors said. He also denied a special allegation that he used a firearm in the commission of a felony.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 15.

Adams is accused of forcing his way into the home of Kevin Natale, a 14-year-old neighbor who last year had accidentally hit Adams’ car with a baseball. According to prosecutors, Adams forced his way into the Natale home Jan. 12 and fired several shots before striking the boy in the neck.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Stacy Ratner said Adams could receive 25 years to life in state prison if he is convicted of attempted first-degree murder and a jury finds the special allegation to be true.

Adams’ mother told reporters last week she could not explain her son’s alleged action, and that she had no idea where the 9-millimeter handgun might have come from.

Kevin, who was playing video games with a neighbor when Adams allegedly forced his way into the residence, earlier this week was transferred to a special rehabilitation center at St. John’s Regional Medical Center.

The bullet lodged in his shoulder, threatening to paralyze the boy. He was listed in fair condition Thursday, but hospital officials would not say whether he might be able to walk again.