SPOKANE, Wash. — Renee Rogers, Gavin Looper’s mother, addressed Superior County Court Commissioner Tony Rugel in front of a packed gallery Wednesday afternoon.
Glen Dylan Burkey is accused of a drive-by shooting in January in Spokane. Police said his gunfire hit 13-year-old Gavin Looper, killing him as he played video games inside the home of his father’s friend.
Burkey was arrested after being accused of fleeing to Montana.
He made a first appearance there, then was extradited back to Spokane County for a first appearance in District Court.
Wednesday’s hearing in Superior Court was held to determine whether Burkey should be released, or held on bail.
“I would just like to ask that you take into consideration that this man is a repeat, violent offender. He has had no regard for anyone’s life when he shot blindly through a home, murdering my 13-year-old child after he had already done a drive-by on the same residence four years prior. He has no regard for the laws, the safety of our community, nor does he have any remorse for what he’s done. He has proven that he is a flight risk by fleeing to Montana, where he was picked up, and he has shown the community time and time again that he has no intention on being a good citizen, and it’s time that he’s held accountable for his actions. He’s made a mockery of these release conditions and probation too many times, and I am begging you and asking that you please hear the plea of a grieving mother and our community and keep this man where he belongs for as long as possible,” Rogers told the court.
The state prosecutor requested Burkey be held on $2 million bail, saying,
“The facts of this case are extreme. They’re the most extreme that we could face within our community. It is a serious and violent offense.”
Commissioner Rugel agreed with the prosecutor’s office, setting bond at $2 million. Burkey’s next court date was scheduled for March 18 at 9:00 a.m.
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