TUCSON — Jared Loughner will not face state murder charges in the shooting rampage that left six dead and 13 injured until after the federal government finishes trying him, authorities said Friday.
Loughner faces three federal charges of attempted murder in the wounding of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and two of her aides outside a Tucson supermarket Jan. 8. Additional federal charges are expected. He has pleaded not guilty.
State charges also have been expected. In a joint statement Friday, U.S. Attorney for Arizona Dennis Burke and the Pima County attorney, Barbara LaWall, agreed the federal case against Loughner would proceed first.
Also, prosecutors are seeking handwriting samples from Loughner. The request was made Thursday in a court filing in which prosecutors said they plan to introduce documents at trial that were found at Loughner’s home and make references to Giffords, guns and bullets.
Denver Post wire services
