IHS student on trial for allegedly making criminal threats

Karl Manaig, 19, sat head bowed during court proceedings on Wednesday as several witnesses testified. They included his former teachers from Imperial High School and alleged victims.

He’s accused of making criminal threats against his classmates. The trial began Monday and is winding down.

Mario Vela, I.C. Deputy District Attorney, said, “This is a very sensitive case. It’s a very sensitive issue. We are still waiting for one more witness for the defense. People did present some rebuttal evidence from the defense’s perspective, but we are expected to conclude this trial tomorrow.”

The jury saw videos which Manaig allegedly kept and showed to other students. The videos described the killing capabilities of different video game weapons.

The defense seemed to portray Manaig’s threats as no more than bad jokes. His parents called him a shy boy and the target of bullying in school. The prosecution said Manaig’s threats were no joke.

“The people have presented enough evidence so as to satisfy our heavy burden which is proof beyond a reasonable doubt and the people are confident that the jury will see that the defendant in this case is guilty for making criminal threats against the victims in this case,” Vela said.

Manaig was arrested last year in February. Police found over a dozen firearms at his home, including assault type rifles and handguns. Manaig allegedly claimed to have access to them. His parents said he did not.

CORRECTION: The voice heard on the YouTube videos shown in court was not the voice of Karl Manaig, but that of the creator of the videos.