The Poway synagogue shooter is due in court today at 1 PM PT to face hate crime charges
19-year-old John Earnest, who does not have a previous criminal record, is being held without bail and could face hate crime charges, one count of murder for Lori Gilbert-Kaye, three counts of attempted murder, and one count of arson for murdering one woman and wounding three other people at the Chabad of Poway synagogue. There's a chance that Earnest could face life in prison, with no chance of parole if convicted.
Authorities are currently investigating Earnest's motive for the killing.
A funeral for Gilbert-Kaye was held at the synagogue on Monday and was presided by Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein, who lost his right index finger during the shooting.
Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein stated, “I do not know God’s plan,” “All I can do is try to find meaning in what has happened. And to use this borrowed time to make my life matter more.”
Just 6 months earlier, 11 people were killed at a Pittsburgh synagogue.