The Orange County district attorney's office has charged a Santa Ana High School student with murder and assault in the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old classmate.
"Given that Karmelo has no prior criminal history and given that this young man has not been in any sort of trouble before, $1 million is not necessary," defense attorney Mike Howard said, as reported by Fox 4.
Chad Westover, initially arrested for assault, faces upgraded charges including second-degree murder after his victim, Tristan Thomas, died from injuries sustained in the attack.
The shooting of Judge Kevin Mullins by Sheriff Shawn M. Stines following an argument is compounded by a federal lawsuit accusing Stines of failing to investigate sexual abuse allegations involving his deputy.