With the three previous mugshots, I’m guessing he figures he can play his game and be out again shortly. (Um, he does realize this isn’t like stealing someones mail?)
What those three mugshots clearly show though is how the Ferguson Police are targeting these poor black teens in their quest to make Ferguson an all-white city. Three times (at least!) that they have targeted him in his young life. /s
They knew if they go for max penalties on this suspect that claimed he was not actually shooting at cops but someone else, it would bring the race industry back down on them.
A whole new race circus.
I'd bet they cut the deal with the suspect. Confess to the shoot, but not intending to kill the cops, and we'll take 15 years off your sentence. If ya don't cooperate, and confess, we go for maximum punishment. .