Parents express concern after ABC 10 shooting suspect visits Sacramento school, while he pleads not guilty
The former lawyer and lobbyist, Anibal Hernandez Santana, 64, appeared in federal court after a grand jury indicted him on four charges related to the ABC 10 shooting in September.He is charged with four federal counts, including discharging a firearm in a school zone, two counts of possessing a firearm in a school zone, and interference with radio communication.In court Monday, Hernandez Santana pleaded not guilty to the charges. Federal prosecutors also revealed they are preparing to turn over hundreds of pieces of evidence, including reports, photos, and videos, to the defense. Hernandez Santana's attorney, Mark Reichel, said the evidence might show his client should not be charged in federal court."If we have to, we will make motions in the federal court to give us these answers, make motions where a federal judge has to determine whether or not we're entitled to communications or anything that would show if there was an improper motive. That may be next," he said.Prosecutors allege the shooting was premeditated and that Hernandez Santana showed up unannounced at his children's former school, asking to read to the children. He had previously volunteered at Sutterville Elementary School as a Spanish teacher, and prosecutors said the school was a potential target."The evidence is very clear, there was no targeting of any elementary school whatsoever," Reichel said. Parents at Sutterville Elementary School expressed concern after Hernandez Santana made an unannounced visit to the school days before allegedly shooting into the ABC 10 TV station. "Honestly, it's terrifying in this day and age. You don't know if you're going to see your kid the next day," said Anna Zheng, a parent at the school. Sophia Lepage, another parent, recalled the principal's email about the incident."I got an email from the principal that was a little alarming, just saying that he was here trying to get in to read to young students, which is already kind of strange to me," she said.Prosecutors allege the shooting was premeditated and that Hernandez Santana showed up unannounced at his children's former school, asking to read to the children. He had previously volunteered at Sutterville as a Spanish teacher, and prosecutors say the school was a potential target. "The evidence is very clear, there was no targeting of any elementary school whatsoever," Reichel said.The Sutterville principal informed parents that new security measures are underway, and parents are eager to see them implemented. Zheng emphasized the need for more security."More secure sign-in sheets for parents, anyone who comes in to be verified and just more security on campus, honestly, at this point," she said."It definitely hits a little more like close to home, you know, even though nothing happened, it's still like the reality of the whole thing sets in for sure," Lepage said.Hernandez Santana still faces state charges, despite being arrested by Sacramento police before the FBI. The federal case took precedence, and he is expected to be arraigned in Sacramento County next week. If convicted, Hernandez Santana faces 16 years in federal prison and/or a fine totaling $260,000 fine.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
