>> “I have some knowledge about the area and honestly the boys are likely to be white rather than black or Latino...” <<
Yes, I’m in South Carolina, and though blacks commit many crimes, someone shot in a field in Oconee County is more likely to have been shot by someone white. Also some people have been jumping to the conclusion that the boys meant to kill him. The statement said they “...discharged a firearm in a reckless manner in the direction of Mr. Smith...” Even at that age or younger, though, I think I’d have had enough sense not to do that.
They will have a hard time proving malice aforethought.