Man Faces Trial in Simi Valley Shooting Rampage
Jaime Parades pleaded not guilty today to murder and attempted murder in connection with a July 1st shooting rampage at a Simi Valley Dental Clinic. In the incident, Parades allegedly stormed the clinic, shooting his wife to death and critically injuring three others. He is currently being held without Ventura County bail.
The rampage shocked the relatively peaceful Simi Valley community. According to Ventura criminal defense lawyer Darrel York, public shooting rampages are becoming more common. York attributes this to many factors, including the prevalence of guns on the street, a declining economy, the isolation of people in our metropolitan areas, and America's culture of violence.
Parades faces in excess of 100 years to life in California State Prison. Although the case may go to trial, there's little doubt about his conviction. The prosecution has multiple eyewitnesses and a video taped confession. The Ventura County District Attorney has not yet indicated whether it will seek capital punishment.
