Accused Kalamazoo shooter Jason Dalton was formally charged today with murder, assault with intent to commit murder, and weapons charges. That’s in connection with a weekend shooting spree that left six people dead and two critically injured.
Jason Dalton was quiet throughout the hearing carried out via video camera from the jail where’s being held without bail In fact, one of his few statements was that he’d prefer to not say anything. He faces 16 charges – including six counts of murder. Prosecutors said in court that Dalton acknowledged being the shooter after he was read his rights.
But Kalamazoo County Undersheriff Paul Matyas says a motive remains a mystery.
“We’re really not that much closer to why this occurred then we were 10 minutes after he was arrested,” Matyas said.
Dalton remained quiet throughout his arraignment, carried out via a video connection from the jail where he’s being held without bond.
Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting says Dalton has acknowledged being the shooter.
“All I can tell you is he did make a statement after having been advised of his rights to law enforcement admitted to his involvement in these incidents,” Dalton said.
Federal authorities say a cache of weapons was taken from Dalton’s home following the shootings.
Dalton’s next court date is March 3. He’s been assigned a public defender.
