With just days to go before jury selection, attorneys for Waylon Cooley, the 18-year-old accused of attempted murder in the brutal New Boston Walmart stabbing, made a last-minute push to stop the trial from moving forward. Meanwhile, one of his co-defendants has quietly struck a deal with prosecutors.
Defense Tries to Derail Trial
On Thursday afternoon, defense attorney Marc May filed a motion to dismiss the charges, claiming the court mishandled evidence about Cooley’s age during his transfer from juvenile court. The motion argued that prosecutors never submitted proper documentation proving Cooley’s exact date of birth—only a police officer’s testimony about his age. The defense contends that since the court said it would verify that information later, the entire case should be thrown out.
The Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office scrambled to respond, filing a reply at 8:21 p.m. Thursday and another just after midnight on Friday, calling the filing “way too late” with trial scheduled to start Monday, November 1. Prosecutors also said the claim was factually wrong pointing out that the juvenile court’s transfer order already found Cooley was 17 at the time of the attack and that a financial disclosure form signed by Cooley and his guardian confirmed that age.
A hearing was held Friday, October 31, but no ruling has been entered into the public record yet. As of now, Cooley’s trial remains on track to begin Monday alongside Trinida Castro.
Another Plea Deal
Sources tell SCDN that co-defendant Zander Daniels also accepted a plea deal on Friday. Daniels reportedly pleaded guilty to Aggravated Robbery, Kidnapping, Tampering with Evidence, Felonious Assault, and Conspiracy. His sentencing will take place after the trials of Cooley and Castro.
One Defendant Already Convicted
The fourth suspect, Shelby Broughton, pleaded guilty on October 27 to Felonious Assault, Kidnapping, Aggravated Robbery, and Conspiracy. She was found guilty two days later and is awaiting sentencing. Her plea allowed her to avoid the most serious charge of Attempted Aggravated Murder.
The Walmart Ambush
The case stems from a vicious January 28 ambush near the New Boston Walmart. Prosecutors say the four teens lured a friend to the shopping plaza under the pretense of helping buy shoes for someone in need. Once there, the group allegedly attacked and stabbed him, leaving the victim critically injured and fighting for his life.
The teen was airlifted to a Columbus hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and survived.
With Broughton convicted, Daniels flipping, and Cooley and Castro heading to trial, the violent attack that shocked Scioto County is finally reaching its dramatic conclusion in court.
