Van Buren Has Arraignment Delayed Again
VENTURA — Ventura County prosecutors were granted a one-week extension Friday to determine if they will file charges against all-state football player Leodes Van Buren of Newbury Park High, who is suspected of firing a gunshot into his girlfriend’s home last month.
Van Buren appeared in Ventura County Municipal Court on Friday for a scheduled arraignment, which was postponed for the second time at the request of the district attorney’s office. His arraignment is now scheduled for May 13.
Van Buren, 18, was arrested April 8 on suspicion of firing a single shot through the back door of Marcie James’ home, after allegedly engaging in an argument with James, 19, a pitcher on the Moorpark College softball team. No one was injured.
The next day, Van Buren denied pulling the trigger, saying a companion did it.
Ventura County prosecutors asked for the postponement because they and the sheriff’s department are continuing their investigation into Van Buren’s statements.
Judge Steven Hintz allowed Van Buren to remain free on $5,000 bail.
Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound wide receiver, helped Newbury Park win the Southern Section Division III championship last fall. He finished his high school career as the state’s leader in receptions and receiving yardage.
He earned a scholarship to play football at Colorado. School officials have said the scholarship is in jeopardy pending the outcome of the case.
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