Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Sunday, April 28, 2024 78° Today's Paper


Top News

Synagogue shooting suspect pleads not guilty to new charges

1/1
Swipe or click to see more

ASSOCIATED PRESS

John T. Earnest appears for his arraignment hearing on April 30 in San Diego.

SAN DIEGO >> The sole suspect in a fatal shooting at a Southern California synagogue pleaded not guilty to federal hate crimes and other charges today.

John T. Earnest entered the plea a week after a grand jury returned a 113-count indictment that largely mirrors a complaint filed shortly after his arrest on April 27. The indictment added four counts of using and carrying a firearm during commission of a violent crime.

Earnest’s parents attended the brief hearing but did not seem to exchange eye contact with their 19-year-old son. The suspect spoke only once, to acknowledge his name.

Two days after the shooting, the family said their son’s actions “were informed by people we do not know, and ideas we do not hold.”

“To our great shame, he is now part of the history of evil that has been perpetrated on Jewish people for centuries,” they said in their only public statement since the shooting.

Earnest looked blankly ahead as one of his attorneys argued that shackles should be removed from his wrists, ankles and waist during the hearing. Peter Ko, a prosecutor, countered, “He tried to commit mass murder,” and the judge, Michael Berg, denied the defense request.

Earnest also faces charges of murder and attempted murder for the attack on Chabad of Poway on the last day of Passover. One person died and three were injured.

He is being represented by public defenders. His family is not paying his legal costs.

Both federal and state crimes make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted but prosecutors have not said if they will seek it.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.