The Half Moon Bay mass shooting suspect on Thursday pleaded not guilty to seven murder charges and an attempted murder charge.
Chunli Zhao, 66, is charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder after he allegedly shot and killed seven co-workers at two mushroom farms on Jan. 23. One other person was shot but survived.
Zhao, during an exclusive jailhouse interview with NBC Bay Area, admitted to carrying out the shootings, saying he endured years of co-workers' bullying and that he wasn't in his right mind that day.
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Last week, during a court hearing, Zhao got emotional, and the court took a 10-minute recess to allow him to regain his composure. Zhao was more subdued on Thursday. At his attorney's request, he conveyed his not guilty pleas through an interpreter directly to the judge.
San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said this is the first step in what will be a very long process.
"He gave up his right to a speedy preliminary hearing," Wagstaffe said. "The defense still is going through police reports as well as we are awaiting a variety of reports."
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Media coverage as well as prior comments by the district attorney spurred the judge to issue a gag order on attorneys and the sheriff's department, meaning they can only publicly comment on procedural matters.
Zhao is scheduled to return to court on May 3 to set further proceedings, including the preliminary hearing.
While the proceedings are being covered locally and nationally, one group seemingly not following Zhao’s legal fight is his fellow farmworkers.
Judith Guerrero of Coastside Hope, one of numerous agencies assisting the farmworkers, said most workers are choosing to focus on recovery.
"There’s a lot to follow and a lot to understand," Guerrero said. "I think at times that can be a little bit overwhelming. I believe they’re focusing on themselves, and that’s what’s important for us."
