Hearing for salon shooting suspect postponed

SANTA ANA — A hearing for the man accused of walking into a Seal Beach salon and killing eight people, including his ex-wife, was continued Friday to Jan. 25.

While Scott Dekraai’s trial is still set for March 25, Judge Thomas Goethals said he wants to check in with the attorneys on both sides after this year’s elections, since the results of Prop. 34 could change the dynamics of the case.

Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas is seeking the death penalty in Dekraai’s case, but Prop. 34 could overturn the death penalty in the state.

Dekraai is accused of fatally shooting his ex-wife, Michelle Marie Fournier, whom he fought with over the custody of their son, as well as seven others and injuring a ninth on Oct. 12, 2011.

He was allegedly seeking revenge when he walked into Salon Meritage wearing body armor and carrying three guns.

He faces eight felony counts of special circumstances murder and one felony count of attempted murder. He has pleaded not guilty.

—Mona Shadia

Twitter: @MonaShadia