FRESNO (KMJ) — The man accused of the triple-fatal Downtown Fresno shooting started his appearance inside Fresno County Superior Court with a cry of “let black people go in America.”
But Kori Ali Muhammad’s turn in front of Judge Kent Hamlin Friday morning was not to answer to the three deaths he is alleged to have committed on Tuesday April 18th, but the previous Central Fresno Motel 6 incident on Thursday April 13th.
For that the District Attorney levied one felony charge for the murder of Carl Williams, and another felony charge for the attempted murder of Oscar Menjivar.
Security inside the courtroom was visibly high, with numerous Fresno County Sheriff’s Deputies present for the appearance of the 39 year old.
“Let black people go in America,” Muhammad shouted as soon as he was walked in. The chain around his waist was being held tightly by a Deputy standing behind him.
Court proceedings began as normal, with a request not to show pictures of the defendant approved. Court appointed public defender Eric Christensen explained that he had only had a brief meeting with the suspect prior to the hearing.
“It is my assessment…I believe this gentleman may not be mentally competent to proceed with the case,” added Christensen.
“Let black people go with reparations,” shouted Muhammad again, interrupting the attorneys and judges who were at that moment discussing his mental state.
The judge agreed to suspend proceedings under 1368 of the Penal Code, which covers competency to stand trial based on the defendant’s mental condition.
Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp was present in the courtroom, in addition to Deputy District Attorney Brian Hutchins who spoke on behalf of the people. Neither they, nor the court appointed attorney, spoke to the gathered media after the hearing concluded.
The arraignment was continued until Thursday May 12th, and the suspect’s set at $2,605,000.
“Let black people go with reparations,” interrupted Muhammad as the judge was finishing up. He was led out of the courtroom immediately afterwards.
The District Attorney’s office says the investigation into the triple-fatal Downtown Fresno shooting on Tuesday April 18th is yet to be submitted to their office, which is why charges are yet to be announced in connection with that incident.
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer tells KMJ News that Muhammad told investigators that he targeted the victims in the Downtown Fresno shooting spree because they were white males. Those victims are identified as Zackary Randalls, David Jackson and James Gassett.
The Fresno County District Attorney has not yet announced if the office will pursue the death penalty for the alleged premeditated hate-crime.
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
