Man charged with first-degree murder waives right to preliminary hearing

A Wichita man charged with first-degree felony murder in a fatal shooting at a house party this summer is facing jury trial Sept. 22, according to Sedgwick County District Court records.

Christopher Cooper, 19, waived his right to a preliminary hearing last week, and he was bound over for trial on the murder count, court documents show. The charge is connected to the June 21 death of 20-year-old Juan Orona, who was killed while at a house party attended by more than 100 people – including members of rival gangs – in the 900 block of South Cypress. Orona was shot in the head.

Cooper is one of two men charged in Orona’s death. Dametrius Williams, 20, also faces one count of first-degree felony murder. The underlying felony crime alleged in both cases is criminal discharge of a firearm at an occupied dwelling, according to court documents.

Cooper, who had been held on $500,000 bond, was released from Sedgwick County Jail on his own recognizance after waiving his preliminary hearing Aug. 21. He is subject to GPS monitoring, a curfew, gang conditions and other restrictions while free, court records show. Sedgwick County District Court Judge Joe Kisner signed the order modifying Cooper’s bond.

Williams remained in jail Wednesday in lieu of $1 million bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10, according to court records.

This story was originally published August 28, 2014 at 6:46 AM with the headline "Man charged with first-degree murder waives right to preliminary hearing."