EAST ORANGE — The man accused of opening fire at an off-campus party near Seton Hall University, killing one student and injuring four others, pleaded not guilty today at his first court appearance in Superior Court in Newark. Nicholas Welch, 25, listened quietly as his attorney, Gerald Saluti entered not guilty pleas. The victim, Jessica Moore, 19, died of...
Defense attorney Gerald Saluti looks on as Nicholas Welch makes his first court appearance in connection with the fatal shooting of a Seton Hall student at the Essex County Courthouse in Newark. EAST ORANGE — The man accused of opening fire at an off-campus party near Seton Hall University, killing one student and injuring four others, pleaded not guilty today at his first court appearance in Superior Court in Newark.
Nicholas Welch, 25, listened quietly as his attorney, Gerald Saluti entered not guilty pleas.
The victim, Jessica Moore, 19, died of a gunshot wound to the head early Saturday morning.
"This is a a senseless tragedy. He's still in shock," Saluti said of his client, who remains held on $2 million bail. "I can't imagine his demeanor." Saluti said he would agree to a request by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office to take DNA swab.
Saluti, a private attorney who was retained Tuesday night, said his client has two children. He is not employed.
Several of the victims' family members were at the court hearing, having traveled from Virginia, where they live. They did not speak to reporters.
Previous coverage:
• Suspect in Seton Hall off-campus shooting to make first court appearance
• Seton Hall sophomore is killed in off-campus party shooting
• Seton Hall student dies following shooting at off-campus party
• One Seton Hall student is in critical condition after shooting injures five at off-campus party
• Five people are shot near off-campus Seton Hall University house
• Search continues for suspect who fatally shot Seton Hall student
| Leon Drinks sings about the murder of a Seton Hall student |