Airport shooting suspect gets public defender in court
Santiago says he has just $5 or $10
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — An Iraq war veteran held in the fatal shooting of five people inside Fort Lauderdale’s airport was appointed a federal public defender Monday after telling a judge that he has no job and little money.
Esteban Santiago, 26, spoke clearly during a brief hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alicia Valle, who ordered him held until his next hearings.
Shackled in a red jumpsuit in the heavily guarded federal courtroom, Santiago answered mostly yes or no to questions and told the judge he understands the charges, which include committing violence against people at an international airport resulting in death, and two firearms offenses.
She told him the death penalty could apply. “We are telling you the maximum penalty … so that you understand the seriousness of the charges,” the judge said.
Santiago said he had been in the Army, making about $15,000 a year. He mentioned expenses, and said he owns no property and doesn’t have a vehicle. He said he had worked for a security company in Anchorage, Alaska, until November, making $2,100 a month, but currently had only $5 to $10 in the bank.