LOS ANGELES (AP) \u2014 A judge granted a request Tuesday by the gunman in a 2001 shooting at a San Diego high school to be resentenced, potentially allowing him to be freed after 23 years in prison.<\/p>\n
Charles Williams, who was 15 at the time, pleaded guilty to killing two students and injuring 13 others after opening fire with his father’s revolver at Santana High School on March 5, 2001. He was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison.<\/p>\n
The judge’s decision Tuesday means Williams’ case will be sent to juvenile court and lead to his immediate release from prison without parole supervision or evaluation, according to San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan’s office.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors will challenge the ruling in the appellate court to try to stop his release, the office said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs prosecutors, our duty is to ensure justice for victims and protect public safety, and the defendant\u2019s cruel actions in this case continue to warrant the 50-years-to-life sentence that was imposed,\u201d Stephan said. \u201cAt some point our laws must balance the rights of defendants, the rights of victims, and the rights of the community to be safe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Williams’ attorney did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.<\/p>\n
Williams killed two students, 14-year-old Bryan Zuckor and 17-year-old Randy Gordon. He wounded 11 students and two staff members.\u200b<\/p>\n
Now age 39, he is currently being held at the California Institution for Men in Chino and became eligible for parole in September 2024.<\/p>\n