TRENTON - A teen accused of shooting into a car and killing a 16-year-old girl last year was offered a plea deal Friday that would give him at least 20 years in prison.
The deal is the first offer Peter Charles Jr., 18, of Trenton, has received since he was indicted on murder charges in January for the April killing of 16-year-old Ciony Kirkman.
Mercer County Assistant Prosecutor James Scott, who spoke during Charles' court appearance Friday, said the teen would have to plead guilty to aggravated manslaughter and aggravated assault, which would carry 24-year and 8-year sentences, respectively. The sentences would be served concurrently.
Charles has not had time to consider the offer, nor has his attorney filed a counter-offer and no decision was made Friday.
The offer comes nearly a year after Charles was accused of the fatal shooting. Authorities have said Charles, who was 17-years-old at the time, shot into a stolen minivan that was traveling near the intersection of Jersey Street and Home Avenue on an afternoon in April.
Seven juveniles were in the car at the time, including Kirkman who was hit in the head by the gunfire.
She died at a hospital two days later and Charles was arrested the same month.
Charles' name was not immediately released because he was 17-years-old but his case has since been moved to adult court. His next appearance is scheduled for May 1.
Anna Merriman may be reached at amerriman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @anna_merriman