Treasure Coast High students charged with attempted murder after man shot in buttocks

PORT ST. LUCIE — Two Treasure Coast High School students were charged with attempted murder in connection with an attempted "drug rip" in which a 43-year-old man was shot in the buttocks, records show.

Howard Anthony Gookool, 18, and Myrvey Jacob Elien, 16, were arrested in mid-April, days after the April 14 shooting.

More: Man shot in Indian River break-in charged with attempted murder, held on $1.25M bail

More: Woman's attempted murder case dropped after accuser says she stabbed him in self-defense

They are accused of donning bandanas and attempted to rob a juvenile shortly after dusk at his home in the 3100 block of Southwest Nutley Street.

The target sold marijuana, and Elien and Gookool went there "to ‘hit a lick,’ which meant that they were going to steal the marijuana," said Master Sgt. Frank Sabol, Port St. Lucie police spokesman.

Police said the teens ordered three people to the ground when they approached the back patio of the home, but a fight broke out.

Investigators said Gookool told Elien to shoot, and Elien fired a .22-caliber handgun, striking the 43-year-old homeowner in the buttocks.

More: St. Lucie man sentenced to 30 years for attempted murder of ex-girlfriend, her mother

More: Teens charged with attempted murder in botched burglary in Indian River County

Both teens were charged with attempted first-degree murder and attempted armed robbery while wearing a mask.

Gookool, of the 1200 block of Southwest Medina Avenue, also was charged with armed burglary of a dwelling.

Elien, of the 1500 block of Southwest Hextel Avenue, also was charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon while masked, tampering with a witness and armed burglary of a dwelling with battery while masked.

More: Man charged with attempted murder of 79-year-old woman in 2015 home break-in, shooting

More: 3 wounded in shootings, stabbing in 'weekend of violence' in Indian River County

TCPalm and Treasure Coast Newspapers customarily does not name juveniles accused of crimes, but does name some juveniles depending on the seriousness of the crime, their age, aggravating circumstances and other factors.

More: Contact TCPalm with news tips