Hearing waived in newsroom massacre

Jarrod Ramos, the Laurel, Md., man accused of blasting his way into the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis last month and killing five staff members, waived his first appearance in Anne Arundel Circuit Court on Monday. Ramos, 38, has been indicted on five counts of first-degree murder and other violations. Anne Arundel public defender William Davis entered his appearance as Ramos’ attorney Monday, eliminating the need to hold the arraignment. Initial appearances tend to be perfunctory meetings in which judges advise defendants of the charges against them and their rights to an attorney. Often, an attorney will enter an appearance, notifying the court that he or she will represent the defendant. Now, instead of the judge, Ramos’ attorney will be responsible for discussing with Ramos the charges and the maximum penalty of each.