OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Mark Sanders, the suspected shooter in the killing of Oakland police officer Tuan Le, made his first court appearance on Wednesday. He did not enter a plea, and his arraignment was waived.
Annie Beles, defense attorney for Sanders, reminded the public that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. She did not answer questions from the media but addressed them.
Officer Le was fatally shot while responding to a reported burglary at a cannabis business last Friday. He was working undercover and in an unmarked vehicle at the time.
Sanders is being charged with murder with special circumstances and special allegations. If convicted, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. Beles stated that she stands ready to defend Sanders against these charges.
A second suspect, Allen Brown, is also being charged with murder. Meanwhile, a third suspect, Sebron Russell, faces burglary charges. It is revealed that Russell was on felony probation when arrested in the Le case.
Court documents show that Russell has a long list of priors related to kidnapping and use of a deadly weapon, which were dropped by the DA’s Office due to insufficient evidence.
All three men will return on Jan. 18 to enter a plea. Sanders and Brown are being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail, while Russell is being held on $200,000 bail set by the judge.
The investigation continues, and the case has gained significant attention from both the law enforcement community and the public.