STOCKTON — Branden Staples mouthed, “I love you” to one of his friends in a San Joaquin County courtroom and told a judge he had been fired from his job the day he was arrested earlier this week.
The 19-year-old faces multiple charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, making terrorists threats and others after he allegedly shot paintballs at several people outside of a gay nightclub in Stockton.
“This particular case we felt that the hate crime enhancement is appropriate,” Elton Grau, a Deputy District Attorney with the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s office said.
Staples’ friends did not want to speak on camera, but one woman told us she loves him like a son.
FOX40 visited Staples’ former Lodi neighborhood where families were too scared to speak on camera, because they said they’re afraid the 19-year-old would retaliate.
They claimed he had terrorized them for years and damaged cars, homes and other property with his BB gun. One woman said she doesn’t think he’ll stop unless he kills himself or others.
He moved out of the neighborhood about a year ago, and many people told us they were relieved when he did.
Staples is suspected of committing crimes in Stockton and Lodi, and if convicted, faces 10 years in prison.
“As it happens, in at least two different cities right now. We’re working with multiple teams right now,” Grau explained.
Staples arraignment will continue on July 1, and his bail is set at $6 million. Grau said the bail is set that high because of the ‘use of an explosive device’ charge.
FOX40 attempted to speak with Staples, but he has denied requests for an interview.
