Jared Loughner pleaded not guilty Wednesday in a Tuscon courtroom in front of victims who were hospitalized from gunshots fired at them last January.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Loughner will stand trial for shooting at 19 people and killing six. A federal judge was killed in the shooting along with a nine year old girl. Loughner is charged with the attempted murder of Arizona State Representative Gabrielle Giffords along with the injury of 12 other innocent bystanders.
To date, Loughner has a total of 49 charges against him. A hearing will be held in May to determine whether or not he is mentally fit to stand trial and to see if he is eligible for the death penalty.
Loughner was reportedly smiling periodically during the hearing, adding to concerns of his mental imbalance. The hearing was held in a federal courtroom where Chief Judge John M. Roll previously presided. Roll was killed in the shooting.
According to NPR, one shooting victim, Susan Hileman, attended the hearing in her wheelchair that she now needs due to injuries from the shooting.
Wednesday’s court proceeding was the first time the victims present had seen the suspect in person since the shooting.
Loughner’s father was in attendance as well, sitting with arms folded and head down, looking up occasionally. Loughner wore shackles and a khaki prison uniform.
Loughner’s attorney, Judy Clark, entered the plea for her client. He spoke only once, when asked if his name was Jared Loughner. He replied, “Yes, it is.”
There are arguments that some contents of Loughner’s home might not be suitable for the trial, but no final decision has been made at this time.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Loughner will stand trial for shooting at 19 people and killing six. A federal judge was killed in the shooting along with a nine year old girl. Loughner is charged with the attempted murder of Arizona State Representative Gabrielle Giffords along with the injury of 12 other innocent bystanders.
To date, Loughner has a total of 49 charges against him. A hearing will be held in May to determine whether or not he is mentally fit to stand trial and to see if he is eligible for the death penalty.
Loughner was reportedly smiling periodically during the hearing, adding to concerns of his mental imbalance. The hearing was held in a federal courtroom where Chief Judge John M. Roll previously presided. Roll was killed in the shooting.
According to NPR, one shooting victim, Susan Hileman, attended the hearing in her wheelchair that she now needs due to injuries from the shooting.
Wednesday’s court proceeding was the first time the victims present had seen the suspect in person since the shooting.
Loughner’s father was in attendance as well, sitting with arms folded and head down, looking up occasionally. Loughner wore shackles and a khaki prison uniform.
Loughner’s attorney, Judy Clark, entered the plea for her client. He spoke only once, when asked if his name was Jared Loughner. He replied, “Yes, it is.”
There are arguments that some contents of Loughner’s home might not be suitable for the trial, but no final decision has been made at this time.
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