iStock/Thinkstock(FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.) — Esteban Santiago, the Iraq war veteran accused of killing five people and wounding six others in a shooting rampage at a crowded Florida airport baggage claim last week, made his first appearance in federal court Monday morning.
Santiago, 26, wore a red jumpsuit with shackles binding his wrists and ankles. He sat expressionless, hunched at the defense table during the proceedings, with U.S. marshals standing behind him.
He answered a series of “yes” or “no” questions and made no statements outside the scope of those questions.
A federal magistrate judge appointed a public defender, Robert Ruby, to represent Santiago, and informed the accused that he could receive the death penalty if convicted.
Prosecutors asked for a pretrial detention, a request that will be heard by a judge Tuesday at 1 p.m.
Santiago’s next scheduled court appearance will be Monday, Jan. 23.
Copyright © 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
