An 18-year-old student who allegedly opened fire last week inside and a Colorado high school last week faces 48 criminal charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, arson and theft, in connection with the attack that left one dead and eight wounded.
The Denver Post reports that Devon Erickson appeared Wednesday morning before Douglas County District Court Judge Theresa Slade, who denied bond for the student.
A 16-year-old co-defendant also is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.
Both teens were arrested immediately after the shooting May 7 at STEM School Highlands Ranch in the Douglas County School District.
Erickson’s charges are one court of first-degree murder after deliberation; 29 counts of attempted first-degree murder after deliberation; two counts of second-degree arson; two counts of third-degree burglary; two counts of theft between $2,000 to $5,000; one count of possessing a weapon on school grounds; two counts of criminal mischief; one count of interference with school – impeding staff; one count of reckless endangerment; one count of a violent crime – causing death; and one count of a violent crime – used weapon.
During his hearing, Erickson sat up in his chair and listened to the proceedings. In his prior court appearance, Erickson slumped in his chair with his head hanging so that his hair blocked his face from everyone in the room
Officials have not released information about the suspects’ motives, how they acquired the handguns they allegedly used or whether officials were warned about a threat before the shooting.
Later Wednesday afternoon, family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Kendrick Castillo, a senior at the school who was killed after tackling one of the shooters.
