Shooting suspect pleads not guilty

Middletown (WTNH) - The man accused of gunning down a Wesleyan student inside the campus bookstore pled not guilty to all the charges against him - including murder.

Stephen Morgan seemed to understand what was happening at today's court proceedings.

"While part of this proceeding was confusing, he was able to get through it and answer questions to the court's satisfaction," said Richard Brown, Morgan's defense attorney.

Morgan allegedly shot Johanna Justin Jinich as she worked inside the cafe at the bookstore back on May 6. Detectives say they found Morgan's journal where he allegedly writes about killing Jinich and expressed his hatred for Jews. The 21-year old Wesleyan junior was Jewish.

In court today, Morgan found out he was facing two additional charges of intimidation based on bigotry or bias and carrying a pistol without a permit.

The defense team also waived its right to a probable cause hearing. If that happened, the state would have shown all the evidence it had gathered, including surveillance photos of Morgan inside the bookstore right before the shooting.

Morgan's family was in court today, as they have been for all his court appearances. They will not comment.

"They were here today and are very supportive of him and obviously it's a difficult time," Brown said.