Suspects in double killing arraigned

Bill Gang

Monday, Sept. 28, 1998 | 1:57 a.m.

The two teenagers charged in the slaying of the "Candy Lady" and her male companion were arraigned today on the charges that potentially could result in the death penalty for one of the defendants.

Justice of the Peace Doug Smith set a Jan. 13 preliminary hearing date for 15-year-old Shauntay Weaton and 16-year-old DeAngelo Michell in the double slaying Wednesday in the couple's home at 832 Blankenship Ave., near H Street.

Neighbors saw two teens running from the home and called 911 after shots from a large caliber pistol alerted them to trouble. Weaton and Michell were arrested by police minutes later, and a pistol was found under a nearby tree.

Despite being teenagers, the defendants are being tried in adult court because Nevada law dictates that juveniles charged with murder automatically are certified as an adults.

Weaton is not eligible for the death penalty, if he is convicted of first-degree murder, because he is below the minimum age of 16 set by Nevada law. Michell could face the death penalty if convicted, but police have said they believe Weaton was the triggerman.

Flora Johnson was called the "Candy Lady" because she sold candy, sodas and ice cream to neighborhood children although, at age 86, she was half-blind and barely able to walk with the use of a cane.

The second victim, 71-year-old Azel Evans, lived with Johnson, according to Deputy District Attorney Peggy Leen.

Metro Police investigators have said that robbery appears to be the motive, but they have not said if the boys had any money in their pockets when they were arrested.