Action News has learned new information about what prosecutors say was the motive behind a deadly shooting that left a teenager from Paradise behind bars, and his step-father dead. Prosecutors say race was perhaps the motive. The victim, Ron Hudson, was African-American. According to prosecutors, the defendant, 17-year-old Michael Cavalli, was a white supremacist.
They say Nazi paraphernalia was found inside his room, and evidence of correspondence with a known white supremacist. The defense says the victim in the August killing was a meth and crack user, and had threatened to kill Cavalli.
Prosecutors say their case is being hurt because friends and relatives of Cavalli aren't being forthcoming about what they know.
Prosecuting attorney A.J. Haggard said "probably a misguided effort to protect the defendant and that's unfortunate, because it's more difficult if those who know the truths don't tell us what it is."
Defense attorney Jodea Foster said "I think this is definitely not a murder case, If there is any crime, it's manslaughter. It's not a murder case."
Monday the judge ruled there is enough evidence for Cavalli to stand trial. He will be arraigned November 17th.
