“There are some issues that came up that need to be worked out,” said Charlie Rittgers, Hancock’s attorney, adding that he expects the case to end in a plea and not go to trial.
Hancock was indicted by a grand jury last month on four counts of attempted murder, four counts of felonious assault and inducing panic. He was also designated as a serious youthful offender, which means that if found guilty of attempted murder, he would have an adult sentence hanging over his head while serving out the juvenile sentence.
Judge Ronald Craft’s courtroom was packed with sheriff’s deputies involved in the case, Hancock’s family and media. The family left without comment.
Rittgers said Hancock’s family was in shock when they learned of the incident.
“It came out of the blue. Austin has never been in trouble before, never shown any signs of violence before, they were in shock as to what happened and their hopes and prayers were for the rapid recovery of the injured,” Rittgers said.
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