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| Defendant in Chelsea King Case Charged With Murder, Rape |
| By San Diego County District Attorney |
| Published: 03/04/2010 |
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San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis today announced that John Albert Gardner III, 30, has been formally charged with murder and a special circumstance allegation of murder during the commission of a rape or attempted rape in connection with the death of 17-year old Chelsea King. Gardner is also charged with assault with intent to commit rape in connection with an attack on a jogger in December of 2009. The special circumstance allegation makes Gardner eligible for the death penalty. A determination on whether to seek the death penalty will be made by after the preliminary hearing. Without the special circumstance, the charge of murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Gardner was arraigned in San Diego County Superior Court at 2:30 p.m. today. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges and San Diego Superior Court Judge Joseph Brannigan ordered Gardner held in jail without bail. “Now that we have filed charges, our primary focus is obtaining justice for Chelsea King and her family,” said DA Dumanis. “This crime has touched the entire community and I want to thank the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the FBI and all law enforcement involved with the ongoing investigation for their extraordinary cooperation. I also want to acknowledge the dedication of all the volunteers who helped in the search for Chelsea.” Gardner’s next court date will be a status hearing on March 9th at 8:30 a.m. in Department 11. A preliminary hearing date of March 18 at 8:30 a.m. was set in Department 11. Deputy District Attorney Kristen Spieler has been assigned to prosecute the case. “We will be trying this case and presenting evidence in open court, not in the public or the media,” said DDA Spieler. At arraignment, the defendant was represented the Office of the San Diego County Public Defender. A copy of the criminal complaint can be obtained from the San Diego County Superior Court. |
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