Medical issues have delayed the first court date for the man accused of setting off an explosion in his Long Beach apartment and murdering one of the firefighters who responded, according to prosecutors.
Thomas Kim, 77, was expected to appear for the hearing today, but it’s been moved to July 5, said Greg Risling, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
Risling said he couldn’t provide any further details about Kim’s medical issues.
Kim is charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count each of murder, attempted murder of a firefighter, arson of an inhabited structure and explosion with intent to murder. He’s also facing special circumstances allegations that mean prosecutors could pursue the death penalty.
Authorities allege Kim was attempting to carry out a murder-suicide when he set off an explosion in his apartment at Fourth Street and Atlantic Avenue shortly before 4 a.m. Monday.
Kim opened fire after rescuers arrived, killing Long Beach Fire Capt. David Rosa, grazing Firefighter Ernesto Torres and seriously wounding another man who lives in the building, police said.
Kim is being held without bail, according to jail records.