SAN DIEGO — The man accused in the shooting outside the San Diego Central Library, leaving one dead and another injured, appeared in court for the first time Tuesday and entered a not-guilty plea during his arraignment at the San Diego Central Courthouse.
Kenneth Chaney, 21, was arrested last Thursday by San Diego police and has been booked on multiple charges related to the shooting, including murder, San Diego police said. Chaney was located Thursday near University Avenue and the I-15 Freeway, where he was arrested.
According to police, the May 23 shooting occurred after an altercation broke out at the entrance of San Diego Central Library. A group of people, including the two victims, confronted Chaney over a stolen backpack. The suspect pulled out a gun during the altercation and fired at the two victims, San Diego police said.
In court Tuesday, deputy district attorney Kristie Nikoletich revealed a third victim, telling the judge Chaney reportedly pulled out a gun and threatened the owner of the backpack, who had chased him and his friend down after his friend allegedly stole it. No gunshots were fired during that initial altercation.
CBS 8 learned that Chaney has an active restraining order against him.
The grandmother of Kenneth “Kenny” Chaney said she filed for the restraining order last year to protect herself and her other grandchildren from Chaney's violent behavior.
The woman did not want to be identified because Chaney is now in jail on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, and assault with a firearm.
The suspect’s grandmother said she filed the restraining order on February 25, 2022, because she “didn’t want him to keep going on the fights with his sister because she was just a minor and he's an adult.”
In May 2022, a judge ordered Chaney to stay away from his grandmother, five family members, and the family's three dogs.
The term of the restraining order was two years. Chaney also was court-ordered not to possess any guns or ammunition.
Still, he was able to work as a security guard under a state license issued in January 2021.
The 62-year-old grandmother told CBS 8, “I needed him to grow up. That was my purpose for him, to grow up, to be responsible for his life. But unfortunately, it didn't happen.”
One of the victims has been identified by police as 20-year-old Trey Walker. According to police, Walker died at the scene from at least one gunshot wound to the torso.
Police do not release the second victim's name, but he is described as a 24-year-old man. He's expected to survive his injuries.
A readiness conference for Chaney is set for June 23.
He is being held without bail and faces life in prison if convicted.
WATCH RELATED: Loved ones mourn the death of a 20-year-old father shot and killed outside San Diego Central Library (May 2023).