Seal Beach Shooting Suspect Pleads Not Guilty
Scott Dekraai, 42, is charged with eight counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. He is accused of opening fire at Salon Meritage on Oct. 12, shooting salon workers, patrons, and a passerby. Winesses told police Dekraai was wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying multiple weapons.
Dekraai was involved in a bitter custody dispute with his ex-wife, Michelle Dournier, over their 8-year-old son. Dournier was a stylist at the salon.
The arraignment was originally set for Oct. 14, but was delayed when Dekraai's attorney, Scott Sanders, asked for more time to prepare. Dekraai plead not guilty in Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
Dekraai was injured in a 2007 tugboat accident and diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder. Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckus said he would not be surprised if Dekraai enters an insanity plea. Judge Erick L. Larsh ordered a medical evaluation of Dekraai last month.
The judge set a preliminary hearing date of April 24, 2012.
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