LA shooting spree 8212; Suspect charged

State authorities also lodged five counts of attempted first degree murder for the shooting at the community centre on Tuesday. Five people were wounded in the shooting, including three children.

The State murder charges in the death of Joseph Ileto, Anasian-American postal worker, could lead to the death penalty, said Los Angeles district attorney Gil Garcetti if Furrow, 37, is convicted.

quot;We believe this was a hate crime,quot; Garcetti said yesterday of the murder, adding that under California law, that quot;would make Furrow eligible for the death penalty.quot;

US Attorney AlejandroMayorkas said Furrow would also face Federal charges for the killing of the mailman and for illegal possession of a firearm.

Mayorkas said Federal officials were still weighing evidence before deciding whether to charge Furrow with a Federal hate crime.