On Thursday, the suspect in the shooting deaths of four University of Idaho students was back in court, having renounced his right to a speedy preliminary hearing and promising through his attorney to fight the prosecution’s case.
For legal reasons, the Daily Wire cannot reveal the identity of the 28-year-old suspect. Four counts of first-degree murder and one act of burglary are among the five allegations against him. He will stay in jail without bond until his June 26 court hearing.
At the hearing, Latah County Magistrate Megan Marshall ruled, “No bail at this moment until additional proceedings.” She ensured he understood the charges against him and what waiving his right to a speedy preliminary hearing entailed.
According to Fox News, the delay is because his legal team is gathering evidence to refute the claims made against their client.
The suspect has not entered a plea because he is waiting to hear whether or not Idaho would pursue the death penalty. His attorneys have reportedly already stated that they would submit a not-guilty request, according to Law & Crime.
According to media reports, the suspect allegedly is being fed a vegan diet. Sheriff Richard Skiles of Latah County stated to NewsNation that the detainee had not acted erratically while in custody. But, he emphasized, we will not be purchasing any new kitchen tools. The prison is trying to accommodate the suspect’s diet, which includes a plant-based diet.
Four young adults (ages 21-20) were slain in a shooting on November 13 at a residence in Moscow, Idaho, not far from the university campus. It’s Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, and Kaylee Goncalves. The reason for his detention was explained in court records that were made public only last week.
Witness Dylan Mortensen, one of the roommates, told police that she had opened her door repeatedly in response to noises coming from above and had seen a man approaching her while wearing a mask over his nose and mouth. She thought he was at least 5 feet 10 inches tall and saw that his physique was more athletic than stocky. She said she was “completely speechless” as the man went by. After he left, she claims she locked herself in her room and didn’t come out for days.
The suspect’s white Hyundai Elantra and cell phone were traced to the crime location on the day it was committed. The investigation found that five days after the murders, on November 18, the suspect registered his vehicle in Washington and was issued license plates.