Michael Phelps admits trying to kill teen in Martinsville school shooting

MARTINSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - Accused school shooter Michael Phelps told a court Monday morning that he intended to kill Chance Jackson by shooting him twice.

Phelps' trial began Monday in Morgan County and a judge quickly found him guilty of attempted murder. Although the teenager waived a jury trial, a judge was hearing the case. Phelps will be sentenced Aug. 12.

"Rather than pleading Michael guilty - because if we had plead him guilty we would have waived the right to appeal the decision on the waiver hearing - the prosecutor and I discussed the case and it was agreed ths is how we would handle it," said Steve Litz, Phelps' attorney.

Phelps was tried as an adult in the shooting of Chance Jackson at Martinsville West Middle School on March 25.

Both teens testified Monday before Phelps admitted trying to kill Jackson.

"Chance is very happy to have this over with and be moving on," said Catherine Michael, Jackson's attorney. "He is still undergoing a very long recovery."

The prosecutor in the case tells 24-Hour News 8 he believes Phelps wanted to be known as a school shooter.

"It really turned out (the shooting) wasn't about Chance; it was more about the sensationalism of a middle school shooting," said Steve Sonnega, Morgan County prosecutor. "Chance really was just a target of opportunity. He was the vehicle for Phelps to get the notoriety that he wanted. The Facebook post that said, 'Today is the day,' in our opinion says it all."