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More Charges Filed Against Alleged Freeman High School Shooter

Emily Schwing
/
Northwest News Network
File photo. One student was killed when a gunman allegedly opened fire in a hallway filled with students at Freeman High School on September 13.

The student accused in a fatal shooting at Freeman High School near Spokane, Washington, this month has been charged with 51 counts of second-degree assault. He also faces murder and attempted murder charges.

It’s still unclear whether the alleged shooter will be tried as a juvenile or an adult. But defense attorney Bevan Maxey said they need more time to decide. ??

“It’s not a matter that you can rush people to have a hearing in 14 days if they can’t prepare and provide the evidence that the court needs to have to make that very serious determination,” Maxey said.?

The defendant appeared in court Wednesday. He entered the courtroom in a navy-blue t-shirt, khaki colored prison-issue pants and a bright orange pair of flip flops. He kept a straight face as he looked over some paperwork and whispered quietly with his lawyer before the hearing was called to order. ?

The defendant has been in a Spokane jail ever since he allegedly opened fire in a hallway filled with students at Freeman High School on September 13.

The court has blocked out the week of April 2, 2018 for a hearing to decide how he will be tried.?