Crime & Safety

Alleged San Rafael 'Ambush' Shooter Goes on Trial

LaDrakeous Sonny Dean is charged with attempted murder.

Opening statements began on Monday in the trial of a man accused in the ambush shooting at the San Rafael Transit Center with prosecutors saying suspect LaDrakeous Sonny Dean showing no remorse after the shooting that left his alleged victim seriously injured, the Marin Independent Journal reports.

Dean, 24, is facing attempted murder charges for an alleged attack that occurred during the afternoon hours on Dec. 14, 2012, the report said.

Dean was a fugitive for nearly two months before being captured by the U.S. Marshals Service in New Orleans, where he was visiting a friend to celebrate Mardis Gras.

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He is accused of approaching a 22-year-old male victim on Platform D at the Transit Center and shooting him at close range. He then fled in a gold sedan, police said. 

Khiry Jefferson sustained serious injuries in the attack that required hospitalization.

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Dean showed no remorse according to prosecutors, who said on Monday that the suspect sent flippant text messages shortly after the victim collapsed near the crime scene, the report said.

In response to a text message from a friend shortly after the shooting saying "Woooow, (Jefferson) only got hit in da leg," Dean said "Lol, I know!" the report said.

Dean's attorney told jurors on Monday that witnesses have offered conflicting testimony in the case, the report said.

Stephen Shaiken said that his client was at the transit center visiting his mother, a transient who lives nearby, according to the report.


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