FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - An outburst from a suspect convicted in a fatal gang-related stabbing prompted a brief courthouse lockdown Friday in Flagstaff.
The Arizona Daily Sun reports (https://bit.ly/1cbAodi) that 23-year-old Michael Vallejos knocked a jug of water off a table after learning of his guilty verdict for second-degree murder in a Coconino County courtroom.
Bailiffs immediately took Vallejos to the judge’s chambers.
His supporters were removed from the building, which was then put in lockdown as a precaution.
Vallejos was allowed to return five minutes later.
Jurors then finished delivering verdicts on other charges. Vallejos was also found guilty of assisting a criminal street gang and aggravated assault.
Prosecutors say Vallejos stabbed 23-year-old Juan Hernandez in September 2013 during a fight between rival gangs.
Vallejos’ attorney says his client will explore an appeal.
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Information from: Arizona Daily Sun, https://www.azdailysun.com/
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