Third teen arraigned in military bunker killings

BARSTOW - The three men accused of murdering two local teens, who were shot execution style at an abandoned military bunker in January, appeared in the Barstow courthouse together Friday for the first time.

Cameron James Thomson, 16, of Covina, was arraigned on charges of murder, kidnapping and robbery. He could face 61 years to life in prison if convicted, said Deputy District Attorney Steven Sinfield.

Thomson pleaded not guilty to the charges, denied all allegations, and his bail was set at $1 million.

Thomson was arrested Wednesday and allegedly served as the lookout while Bodhisattva "Bodhi" Sherzer-Potter, 16, of Helendale, and

Christopher Cody Thompson, 18, of Apple Valley, were shot and killed inside an abandoned Air Force bunker near Helendale on Jan. 5, said Sinfield.

Thomson's family was in court for the arraignment, but was advised by Thomson's attorney not to talk to the press.

"I cannot and will not talk to the press without my client's consent," said Defense Attorney Stuart A. Holmes, who is representing Thomson.

"I felt better today that the 16-year-old is being held accountable for his actions and that he is being tried the same as the others," said Leah Sherzer-Potter, Bodhisattva's mother.

Collin Lee McGlaughlin, 18, of West Covina, is alleged as the shooter and charged with two counts each of murder, kidnapping and robbery. He faces 111 years to life in prison if convicted.

"And I quote, ‘hell no,' and please leave us alone," said a member of McGlaughlin's family when asked for a comment.

"I sense deeply that the shooter is proud of his actions," added Sherzer-Potter. "He looked at me direct with no remorse in his eyes of any kind. He disgusts me."

David Brian Smith, 19, of Covina, faces the same charges as well as an allegation of using a firearm. He faces 81 years to life in prison.

All three defendants are set to be back in court on June 6 for a case status conference and to see if school records can be released to Sinfield.

A contract to destroy the bunker where the killings took place should be awarded by the end of the month, said Rick Solander, of the Air Force's Real Property Agency.

He said the contractor should be in the field in early April to begin destruction.