By Peter Hecht
phecht@sacbee.com
John Luebbers, the Placerville school custodian accused of killing the principal who was his friend and golfing partner, was arraigned on a charge of murder this afternoon as his family members and friends hugged and sobbed in the courtroom.
El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Douglas Phimister ordered Luebbers held without bail after the janitor entered a plea of not guilty in the shooting death of Sam LaCara, the principal at the Louisiana Schnell School in Placerville.
Luebbers is due to appear in court March 7 for a conference to set a preliminary hearing in the case.
El Dorado County prosecutors will not seek the death penalty in the case. Prosecutors filed a single charge of first-degree murder, with a special allegation of intentionally using a firearm to cause bodily injury. If convicted, he could face 25 years to life in prison.
Call The Bee's Peter Hecht, (916) 326-5539.
Related links:
Photo gallery: Shooting at Placerville elementary school
Students make emotional return to Placerville school
Shooting suspect wasn't being fired, Placerville school officials say
Should families discuss school violence?
Revered principal is gunned down
Sign a guest book for school Principal Sam LaCara









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