A 16-year-old Palm Bay girl, who is accused in a June shootout that injured an FHP trooper, is now being charged as an adult.
Morgan McNeil is facing felony murder charges and attempted murder on a law enforcement officer.
In accordance with News 13’s crime guidelines, McNeil is now being identified because she is being charged as an adult.
Prosecutors presented a key piece of evidence that is part of Morgan McNeil's interview with investigators after the shooting. McNeil told her boyfriend to 'not back down' after their encounter with the trooper -- moments later the trooper was shot and 15-year-old Zane Terryn was dead, according to the evidence.
Surrounded by court deputies, McNeil was brought into court, while her family looked on.
During the bond hearing, Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Channing Taylor testified he had stopped at the Pilot gas station off I-95 and State Road 520 to get gas in his cruiser before heading home for the night.
He stepped inside for a drink first then noticed a red pickup without its lights on.
He approached the truck to talk to the driver about the issue. Trooper Taylor asked her to step out of the vehicle.
Moments later investigators said the passenger and McNeil's boyfriend, Terryn, fired a shot at Taylor, striking him in the shoulder.
Trooper Taylor testified he took cover, and returned fire three times.
Terryn was hit and killed.
Prosecutors played a video of McNeil's post shooting interview with FDLE and the Brevard Sheriff's Office during which she asked if the trooper was going to be ok.
She told investigators that she told Terryn to point the gun at the trooper, but not to shoot him thinking they could get away.
Investigators have said the teens’ plan was to drive to Ohio to commit suicide.
McNeil's family didn't comment as they left court. Her attorney said she has a history of mental issues like depression, and he will continue to fight to get her the help she needs.