Yuma man involved in attempted murder enters plea

The man charged with attempted first-degree murder in an incident that occurred in June, appeared in court Wednesday.

The attorney of 24-year-old Gatrick Salas-Fernandez said that because the discovery of the case is extensive. He asked the judge for a continuance of the trial.

His next trial for a change of plea is set for November 7.

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The man accused of attempted first-degree murder in an incident stemming from June was seen by a judge on Monday.

Gatrick Ray Salas-Fernandez, 24, entered a plea of not guilty before Judge David M. Haws in a Yuma County courtroom.

Salas-Fernandez, who is in custody, is charged with attempted first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office said the incident happened June 7 around 6:10 p.m. at West Main Canal and Riverside Drive.

YCSO deputies learned that the victims fishing on the West Main Canal noticed a grey Jeep Cherokee driving towards them. The driver of the Cherokee exited the vehicle and shot multiple rounds towards the victims’ direction. The suspect then fled the area towards the Donovan Estates area.

One victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Yuma Regional Medical Center and later flown to a Phoenix hospital.

Salas-Fernandez is expected back in court for a case management conference on August 15.

He also requested a conditions of release hearing set for July 25.