Judge draws Wagshol, Sandy Hook gunman parallels

Bond reduction denied for man accused of showing interest in mass shootings

STAMFORD — A Superior Court judge refused to lower the bond set on a Norwalk man accused of attacking his father and showing an interest in mass shootings, citing parallels between the defendant and Sandy Hook gunman Adam Lanza.

Brandon Wagshol, 22, was arrested Saturday after police said he attacked his father with a 23-inch lead pipe after an argument over him playing his video games too loudly.

Defense attorney Darnell Crosland asked Judge Richard Comerford to lower Wagshol’s $500,000 bond at his arraignment Thursday because the victim in the assault, Abraham Wagshol, felt his son needed a “loving” environment in his battle with mental health issues.

“He’s been struggling with mental health issues since he was 8 years old. He’s doing the best that he can,” Crosland argued. “We have an individual that needs our help and putting him back in jail won’t address that.”

On Monday, Abraham Wagshol told a Norwalk Superior Court judge that he felt no threat from his son, even after the attack.

But Comerford on Thursday wasn’t convinced love was the solution to the problem.

“I’m sure he’s a loving father

— Adam Lanza’s mother was loving, too,” Comerford said in dissent.

Comerford said the severity of the crime, coupled with the four counts of illegal possession of large-capacity gun magazines that Wagshol was already facing, warranted the high bond.

“He could be charged with the attempted murder of his father,” Comerford said. “He could have killed him.”

Assistant State’s Attorney Daniel Cummings said the state is considering upgrading the charge to first-degree assault due to the severity of the alleged attack.

If convicted of first-degree assault, Wagshol could face five to 20 years in jail and up to $15,000 in fines.

Comerford also placed a full protective order against Wagshol that prevents him from contacting his father, with an exception for communications regarding psychiatric and medical matters.

Wagshol — who had been on house arrest on charges of possession of illegal high-capacity gun magazines after police say he showed an interest in mass shootings — was charged with second-degree assault, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief after he allegedly attacked his father during a dispute.

Police were called to the Wagshols’ Bedford Avenue apartment around 5 a.m. Saturday when police say neighbors reported loud commotion coming from the apartment.

On Monday, Crosland blamed the attack on the “unintended side effects” caused by a change in the dose of his medication.

Last year, Wagshol, a former

Central Connecticut State University student, was arrested after the FBI received a tip from a family member who said he was trying to buy magazine clips, officials said.

An investigation revealed that Wagshol had shown interest in mass shootings as early as sixth grade, according to a search warrant for Wagshol’s father’s apartment.

At the residence, police found a .40 caliber handgun, a .22 caliber rifle, a rifle scope with a laser, firearm optics, a firearm flashlight, body armor with a titanium plate, a full camouflage outfit, a ballistic helmet, tactical gloves, a camouflage bag, computers, and numerous .40 caliber, .22 caliber and 300 blackout rounds of ammunition, per the search warrant.