New details in the case of an 18-year-old suspect accused of fatally stabbing his best friend's younger brother emerged Thursday during a preliminary hearing.
Authorities said William Shultz planned out the murder when he went over to Evan Almgren's house in Discovery Bay. Shultz bought a hunting knife and latex gloves because "he thought he might get away with it," authorities said.
In addition, authorities said Shultz targeted Almgren's 9-year-old brother instead of his best friend because the third grader would not be able to fight him off.
"He was going to choose based on the size and the strength of that individual and ultimately decided upon the most vulnerable victim in that house," said Simon O'Connell, district attorney.
O'Connell said Shultz stabbed the boy several times with the hunting knife.
Shultz's attorney claims mental illness is to blame. Authorities said there is no question Shultz is troubled, but add knew knew what he was doing.
"He cut the power to the house. He utilized gloves," O'Connell said of Shultz trying to cover his tracks.
Local
O'Connell said the Almgren family, who was too upset to comment Thursday, took Shultz in and never knew him to be violent.
"This is the type of crime that sends shock waves through a community because it could happen to any family," O'Connell said.
Shultz on Thursday remained quiet and emotionless throughout the hearing. He is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 6. A doctor who treated Shultz just hours before the murder and released him, saying he was not a threat to himself or to the public, is also scheduled to speak at the next hearing.
