Thaindian News

By Gina Gomez
Phoenix, Jan 11, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The prime suspect of Arizona shooting rampage, Jared Lee Loughner appeared for the first time in court on Monday. U. S. Attorney Dennis K Burke charged him with five counts of murder and attempted murder in connection to the Arizona shooting incident that left six people dead and 14 injured. The suspect looked calm as he entered in the court and answered the questions asked by the prosecutors and judge. The judge ordered him to be held without bond.

Magistrate Judge Lawrence Anderson said that Jared Lee Loughner is a threat to the community and hence he would not be given bail. The Magistrate also said that under no circumstances, the safety of the community and others would be assured if Jared Lee Loughner is freed at this time. Dressed in a prison jumpsuit, head shaved and hands cuffed the suspect looked fear-inducing when he smiled and introduced himself to the judge. Judy Clarke, public defender, who previously handled the case of Ted Kaczynski and also assisted in the case of al Qaeda operative Zacarias Moussaoui, has been appointed as Jared Lee Loughner’s representative. During the courtroom session, Judy Clarke expressed her deep concern as the Arizona judges were involved in this case.

The defense attorney hinted that she might ask for an outside Judge to handle the matter. However, neither Judy Clarke nor Jared Lee Loughner revealed how the suspect would plead. The Judge has set a preliminary hearing for the case in January 24. The prosecutors said that if Jared Lee Loughner is convicted, he could face death penalty. Dennis K Burke charged him with two counts of murder, one count of attempting to kill a Congress member and two counts of attempted murder.