Suspect pleads not guilty to attempted murder

Brandon Spencer, a 20-year-old security guard from Inglewood, pleaded not guilty Monday afternoon to four counts of attempted murder in connection with an on-campus shooting last Wednesday, prosecutors told the Los Angeles Times.

Spencer allegedly opened fire after he became engaged in a verbal dispute with Geno Hall, a former football player at Crenshaw High School, at an Oct. 31 party promoted by LA Hype in association with the Black Student Assembly. Hall sustained several gunshot wounds in his leg, thigh, stomach and buttocks, Hall’s father told the Times.

Prosecutors believe Spencer, who also wounded three others outside the Ronald Tutor Campus Center, is affiliated with a gang. None of the victims from Wednesday’s incident were affiliated with USC, and the three other victims were transported to California Hospital Medical Center, where they were reportedly expected to make a full recovery.

The case will be prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Antonella Nistorescu of the hardcore gang division.

A preliminary hearing has been set for Dec. 6, according to ABC News. If convicted, Spencer will face up to life in prison.