Suspect In Norwalk Mass Shooting Threat Case Denied Computer

STAMFORD, CT — Brandon Wagshol, the Norwalk suspect accused of showing interest in carrying out a mass shooting, was denied access to his confiscated computer by a judge on Friday, despite Wagshol's attorney arguing that he needed the device to continue his college studies.

In separate requests in Stamford Superior Court, Attorney Darnell Crosland sought to have the computer returned to his client, to have Wagshol's bond reduced from $250,000 to $100,000 and to limit the number of Wagshol's visits to a probation officer from every day to once a week.

Wagshol was arrested in August on four counts of Illegal Possession of Large Capacity Magazines, and Crosland said after court that his client will plead not guilty to the charges at the next hearing, which is scheduled for Oct. 4.

Though Wagshol is free on bond, Crosland said that the high financial obligation from the bonding company because of the amount of the bond is a hardship for Wagshol and his father, Abraham Wagshol.

"This is causing a financial strain on the family," Crosland told Superior Court Judge Gary White. "My client's father is retired."

The State's Attorney office argued that Wagshol had already posted bond, so lowering it now was not necessary, an argument that Judge White appeared to agree with after he denied Crosland's request.

As for the computer, Crosland said though his client has been suspended and temporarily banned from the campus of Central Connecticut State University, the school would allow him to take courses online if he could have his computer returned from authorities.

Wagshol "has gotten good grades, and is supported by the Dean of Students, Mr. Raymond Hernandez," Crosland wrote in his motion.

The state again objected, and Judge White again denied the request, but said he did so without prejudice, so Crosland could make the request again in the future.

Judge White approved the request of reducing Wagshol's probation visits from everyday to once a week.

After the hearing, Crosland said that he is "still baffled" by the case, because the prosecution has not provided much discovery evidence to the defense.

"My client maintains that he never had any intent of a mass shooting," Crosland said.