A 19-year-old man arrested earlier this year — but never charged — for the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old boy in National City was sentenced Thursday to nine months in county jail, plus probation, for unrelated assault and gun charges.

Prosecutors say Carlos Maldonado instigated the beating of a 14-year-old boy last October and also negligently fired off a gun in February of this year.

In March, Maldonado was arrested in connection with the Nov. 15, 2024, shooting death of Elijah Smith , a Lemon Grove Academy student.

The shooting, which took place at a vacant National City house, also injured four other teens. Police said the gunfire broke out during a party attended by more than 100 people.

Maldonado wasn't ultimately charged with Smith's killing and was released from custody

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