FRESNO (KMJ) — The man accused of shooting and killing four people, three during a spree in Downtown Fresno, is now onto day four of his competency trial.
Sitting calmly in a blue shirt and tie, Kori Ali Muhammad stayed quiet for the start of proceedings Wednesday morning.
“I placed on the record at the close of court yesterday Mr. Muhammad’s last conduct as he left the courtroom,” explained Judge Jonathan B. Conklin. “I’m making clear to Mr. Muhammad that was the third time.
“So Mr. Muhammad, we’re not going to go through three warnings again today. You’ve had your last warning. The only reason you’re in court today is because it’s a new day. But if there is an additional outburst today…I’m going to ask the deputies to remove you.”
Similar outbursts have been consistent throughout the suspect’s time in court, with “watch the weather” a comment made by him on the first day of his competency trial (click here to read more).
The hearing continued with the questioning of Fresno County District Attorney’s Office Senior Investigator Romeo Grajeda. He said that Muhammad has expressed during jail calls that he did not consider the death penalty a reality.
“He says that it’s just on paper,” Grajeda told the courtroom.
An intention to plead not guilty by reason of insanity was also a subject covered in jail calls, with Grajeda confirming that it was brought up on multiple occasions.
Cross examination established that not all recorded jail phone calls were listened to, and there were in fact “many, many more” not accounted for.
It is anticipated that the competency trial will be complete by the end of the week.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
