Suspect in death of Janessa Ramirez to stand trial

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A murder trial is coming for the only person charged with any crime in the death of a 9-year-old Fresno girl last year.

Prosecutors presented evidence against Brian Cooks for three days.

He admitted to police he fired the bullet that hit Janessa Ramirez as she stood in front of a laundromat with her mother and some friends.

Cooks says he was only shooting in self-defense after someone else shot at him, but prosecutors argue cooks initiated the confrontation.

"Based on evidence presented at this hearing and the purpose and the standard of proof that applies to this hearing," said Fresno Superior Court Judge Arlan Harrell. "That there is sufficient evidence that the crimes alleged in the first amended complaint, specifically in count one, a violation of penal code section 187 (a) as to Janessa Ramirez."

Prosecutors also added a new charge today of attempted murder on Isaac Stafford.