Fresno Shooting Spree arraignment on 3 murders delayed for psych evaluation

Friday, April 28, 2017
Fresno Shooting Spree arraignment on 3 murders delayed for psych evaluation
Family members of Kori Muhammad?s alleged victims were escorted into the courtroom by Fresno Police detectives-- but it was a short proceeding.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Family members of Kori Muhammad's alleged victims were escorted into the courtroom by Fresno Police detectives-- but it was a short proceeding. The hearing was called off because of questions about his mental competency.

Muhammad's attorney is public defender Eric Christensen.

"At this point all we really want to know is what his state of mind is and whether he is competent to continue proceedings."

The hearing was delayed until May 12th, to give enough time for a psychiatrist to examine Muhammad.

During an appearance last week that was also delayed because of mental health questions Muhammad could be heard shouting "Let black people go. Reparations."

This week he repeated that "America would burn in a lake of fire and suffer plagues if it didn't do right by black people."

The three men he's accused of killing on April 18th, Mark Gasset, David Jackson, and Zackary Randalls were all targeted because they were white. Muhammad has proclaimed their deaths were revenge for America's mistreatment of blacks.

All three, along with security guard Carl Williams who was shot at the Motel 6 on Blackstone on April 13th, were killed with the same gun, a 357 magnum revolver. Detective Larry Bowlan said police are still looking for the weapon.

"The firearm used in the triple homicide investigation is a key piece of evidence, that is somewhere out in the community because of statements that were made. An unknown person has taken that firearm, removed it from the place it was discarded, and we are asking for the public's assistance to reach out and turn that gun in."

Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,000 reward to whoever turns in the gun. It was picked up by a man after Muhammad dropped it before surrendering to police.

In addition to facing four murder charges Muhammad is charged with four counts of attempted murder, for shooting at another security guard, and at a car with three people in it. He is in the Fresno County Jail and being held without bond, meaning no amount of money can get him out.