The suspect in a shooting that left one student dead and three injured at Freeman High School outside of Spokane, Washington, last week quietly pleaded not guilty on Friday.
But the plea was mostly procedural. ???
The accused shooter is a 15-year-old sophomore at Freeman High School. He is charged with one count of first degree murder and three counts of attempted murder in the first degree.
He appeared before a Superior Court judge for only four-and-a-half minutes last Friday, as the rest of the Freeman community prepared for an emotional home football game. He entered a ‘not guilty’ plea through his attorney. ??
According to a Spokane Superior Court clerk, a not guilty plea allows lawyers and defendants more time to compile evidence, documentation and information for the case. ??
The state has subpoenaed Freeman High School for the defendant’s transcripts, disciplinary action against him, and history of any violent behavior and drug and alcohol use. ??
The defendant will be arraigned on September 26. The state aims to try him as an adult for premeditated murder.