Suspect in deadly sheriff’s deputy shooting pleads not guilty

Alturas, Cal.- The man accused of shooting and killing a Modoc County Sheriff’s Deputy pleaded not guilty Friday to one count each of Murder, Attempted Murder and Felon in Possession of a Weapon.

Jack Lee Breiner was wheeled into the courthouse Friday afternoon on a gurney, then transferred to a wheelchair. Police say he’s recovering from a gunshot wound to the leg he received while exchanging gunfire with Modoc County Sheriff, Mike Poindexter last week.

Breiner didn’t have anything to say during his court appearance, aside from answering the judge’s questions regarding his plea. The charges against him could carry the death penalty if he’s convicted.  However, California voters may have the final say in Proposition 62 – which would repeal the death penalty in California.

Breiner is accused of shooting Deputy Jack Hopkins as he was responding to a call south of Alturas last week. Hopkins was a one year veteran of the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office. He’s being honored at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Siskiyou County Fairgrounds in Yreka.

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