Robert Breck declined to have a judge set any bail amount
VANCOUVER — Robert “Bob” Breck, the man accused of shooting three people inside the lobby of the Smith Tower in downtown Vancouver last week, killing one of them, appeared in court on Tuesday.
Breck’s court appointed attorney said the 80-year old was declining to have any bail set.
“My client does not want to post bail,” said Renee Alsept, “and he’s perfectly happy where he’s at right now.”
Breck pleaded not guilty to one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder in the shooting of 75-year-old Dean Tunstall, 77-year-old Enelia Montoya and 44-year-old Shawne Garris. A report from the Clark County Coroner’s office said Tunstall died of multiple gunshot wounds to the chest.
According to probable cause documents, Breck told investigators he shot Tunstall over a simmering feud. Garris said Breck had offered her money to be his mistress, which she declined. She was later fired as Breck’s caretaker and told detectives he began spreading rumors about her around the senior living facility. Garris still worked as a caretaker for Montoya at the time of the shooting.
A trial date was set for May 11, and Breck waived his right to a speedy trial. Alsept also made a request to have video cameras banned from the courtroom.
“The defendant has a right to be presumed innocent and is guaranteed a fair trial,” said Alsept, noting that Breck was fully shackled when he was wheeled into the courtroom. “He’s basically shown fully. You know, it’s as if it’s a party by the press to show up and to take his picture.”
Judge David Gregerson responded that the court believes previous law means court proceedings are open to the public, and that the public has a right to know.
“Given the nature of the charges, there’s a high public interest in that, I’m going to deny that motion,” said Gregerson, noting that he would not eliminate the possibility of excluding cameras in the future if more information came to light.
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Court Docs: Simmering feud led to Smith Tower shootings
One dead, at least two injured in shooting at Vancouver’s Smith Tower
