LOS ANGELES, CA – A suspect has been formally charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in connection with two separate shooting incidents that targeted teenagers and a police officer in Santa Monica last month. Authorities allege the attacks were intentional and premeditated, leading to serious felony counts.
David John Hairston, 30, faces a total of seven charges stemming from the incidents. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed three counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, one count of assault on a peace officer, and one count of shooting at an occupied vehicle against Hairston.
Details of the Alleged Attacks
The charges relate to two distinct alleged shooting events in Santa Monica. The first occurred on June 22, where Hairston is accused of shooting and injuring two minors, aged 14 and 16. At the time of the shooting, the teenagers were inside a Waymo autonomous vehicle located at the intersection of 2nd Street and Broadway in Santa Monica.
The second incident took place just three days later, on June 25. In this instance, Hairston allegedly shot and injured Santa Monica Police Officer Lucas Palmeira. The shooting occurred near the Santa Monica Place mall, a prominent shopping destination in the city.
Following the shooting of Officer Palmeira, law enforcement apprehended Hairston in Palisades Park, an area known for its scenic ocean views and public spaces in Santa Monica.
Legal Proceedings Underway
David John Hairston was arraigned on the charges on Thursday. During the court appearance, his defense team raised concerns regarding his mental competency to stand trial.
The court acknowledged the concerns raised by the defense, leading to the suspension of the criminal proceedings. The case is now paused pending a formal evaluation of Hairston’s mental state. A competency hearing has been scheduled to address this matter.
That crucial hearing is set to take place on July 14. It will be held in Department 203 of the Hollywood Courthouse, where the court will consider evidence and arguments regarding Hairston’s ability to understand the legal proceedings against him and assist in his own defense.
Potential Consequences and Investigation
Hairston is currently being held on a substantial bail amount. Bail has been set at $4 million.
Should David John Hairston be convicted on all counts as charged, he faces a lengthy sentence in state prison. The potential maximum sentence upon conviction is up to 104 years to life.
The case is being handled by Deputy District Attorney Stephen Lonseth, who is assigned to the Crimes Against Peace Officers Division within the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. This division specializes in prosecuting cases involving attacks on law enforcement personnel.
The investigation into these alleged violent incidents was conducted by the Santa Monica Police Department. Their work led to the identification and apprehension of the suspect and contributed to the filing of these significant charges by the District Attorney’s office.
The legal process surrounding Hairston’s case is expected to focus heavily on the findings of the mental competency evaluation before the criminal proceedings can advance further towards a trial.
