A man accused of killing a woman at a rooming house in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has returned to court, in what police described as the first hearing since his initial appearance ended in chaos.
Police say Johnny Newkirk showed no emotion as he went before a judge, charged with murder in the death of Alicia Riddick. During the appearance, the judge appointed the public defender's office to represent him.
It was a far cry from Newkirk's initial court appearance, which police say ended with family members of both the victim and the defendant yelling at each other.
Several marshals stepped in to separate the groups and keep the situation from escalating further during that earlier hearing, according to authorities.
Police say Newkirk and Riddick lived separately at a rooming house, and that officers responded on June 9th, where Riddick was found unresponsive and later confirmed dead.
According to police, Newkirk's arrest warrant referenced camera footage as part of the case. Police say he also faces an evidence tampering charge.
The case is due back in court in Bridgeport on July 27th, as the investigation into the killing continues and the matter moves through the Connecticut courts.