Downtown San Diego

โ€˜I Hope He Suffers': Girlfriend of Man Killed Near Downtown San Diego Library Shares Message for Suspect

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Kenneth Cheney, 21, was arraigned Tuesday for allegedly shooting two men near San Diego's Downtown Central Library on May 23.

Cheney appeared via videoconference from jail for the brief arraignment and was charged with three felonies, one count of murder in the first degree, one count of attempted murder and assault with a firearm on person.

According to investigators, Cheney fatally shot 20-year-old Trey Walker in the neck and shot an unidentified victim twice who is expected to survive his injuries.

A witness told NBC 7 that a man wearing a neon pink ski mask was trying to steal backpacks from people in the library.

The shooting began when the two victims approached Cheney about a backpack that was allegedly stolen, according to investigators.

Cheney then allegedly shot both victims, killing Walker at the scene. According to eyewitnesses, Cheney pulled off a pink ski mask while leaving the scene and dropped it.

Two days later, Cheney was caught near the I-15 and University Avenue.

SDPD announces arrest two days after deadly shooting at downtown library, ID's victim. And, Coronado High School employee was placed on leave amid vague investigation. Plus, beach safety measures are in place for the Memorial Day holiday.

Walker leaves behind a 10-month-old child and girlfriend. She said she hopes he meets his fate.

"I hope he suffers, bad. I hope he suffers really bad," she said. "I'd do it myself if I could."

โ€œWeโ€™ve been with each other for a long time, and we have a 10-month-old baby and we had plans,โ€ Walker's girlfriend added.

Cheney is set to return to court for a readiness hearing on June 23 then a preliminary hearing on Aug. 29.

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