In a brief hearing at Erie County Courthouse on Thursday morning, prosecutors received more time to put together their case against Payton Gendron, who's accused of killing 10 people in a racist attack on a Buffalo, N.Y., grocery store.
Judge Craig Hannah agreed to move Gendron's felony hearing, which will determine if there's enough evidence to proceed to trial, to June 9. The 18-year-old white man is accused of targeting a store in a Black community . He'll continue to be held without bail.
It was the second court appearance for Gendron, who entered the courtroom in an orange jumpsuit. On Saturday he pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.
While many might think it appears to be an open-and-shut case, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said before the hearing that he would proceed by the book.
"Emotions are high. I understand the rawness of this matter. However, I do not operate in a court of public opinion," Flynn said. "I operate in a court of law, and this defendant is innocent until proven guilty."
Flynn added that more charges might be filed after a grand jury convened and investigated the shooting. There's a 45-day window for that to occur and the clock starts ticking today.
Officials have said they are investigating the mass shooting and are also considering a terrorism charge.
In the midst of all this, the community continues to mourn. They've been holding vigils and another large prayer vigil is scheduled for this evening. On Friday, a funeral will be held for 67-year-old Heyward Patterson, one of the 10 people killed in the attack.
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