AUBURN, AL (WBRC) -
The man charged in a shooting at a pool party in Auburn that left three people dead pleaded not guilty today on all charges.
Suspect Desmonte Leonard, 22, was indicted Aug. 27 on multiple counts, including capital murder, relating to the June 9 shooting at an Auburn apartment complex.
Leonard is charged in connection with the shooting deaths of Demario Pitts, 20, Ladarious Phillips, 20, and Edward Christian, 20. Three others, John Robertson, 20, and Xavier Moss, 19, and Eric Mack, 20, were injured in the shooting.
Today is the first time Leonard appeared in court in slacks, shirt and tie. His tie was lime green and many of his family members wore the same color to show their support for him. Around 25 people were in attendance in court. Leonard waved to his family when he walked in the courtroom before Judge Jacob Walker III.
Leonard's defense team has asked for bail hearing, which is scheduled for November 14. Bond for a capital murder case is uncommon, but Leonard's attorney Susan James said, "It's not often, but it can happen, so it's certainly worth a try."
James went on to say, "We hope that he sets a bond that someone could make with some conditions that would satisfy the court. The main thing is, it's just more efficient to have him in the community when you're working on any criminal case, particularly one of this importance."
Although the case is moving quickly, it's still doubtful it will go to trial by the spring. The state is still waiting on some lab results.
James says Desmonte is doing well.
"I think he knows what the truth is and there is some comfort in that," she said.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Desmonte Leonard.
Leonard's Defense Attorney Susan James speaks to media on Sept. 27, 2012. Source: Jamie Johnston
Leonard (seated in white, third from right) in court for his hearing. Source: WBRC video
