A judge ruled Tuesday there is enough evidence to justify attempted murder charges for a convicted felon accused of shooting a nightclub bouncer in downtown Santa Rosa.
David Montano, 26, who was identified in part by the inverted cross and other tattoos on his face, now faces trial in the July 3 shooting outside Epic Social Lounge on Mendocino Avenue.
The bouncer, Silivaai Aiono, 24, was shot once in the stomach and spent eight days in the hospital. He testified through a Samoan interpreter at a preliminary hearing Tuesday.
Aiono said he escorted Montano out of the club after he caused a disturbance during a promotional event for gays and lesbians. Montano was seen yelling at a couple at one table and was waving his cellphone and money, the bouncer said.
Outside on the sidewalk, Montano argued with Aiono before pulling a gun and firing, the bouncer said.
Montano fled with two or three friends but was arrested July 6 at a Sacramento apartment, according to testimony. Distinctive facial tattoos including the cross, a pentagram and Asian lettering helped identify him, police have said.
Judge Robert LaForge said there was sufficient evidence to charge him with attempted murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon and sentencing enhancements for a prior prison conviction.
His lawyer argued he was drunk at the time and did not have the mental state to try to kill someone. Montano, who was being held on $1.5 million bail, was ordered to return to court Dec. 10.
At the hearing, detectives arrested a female friend or relative of Montano's on suspicion of witness intimidation. Prosecutor Karina Kowler said the woman, Elaina James, 30, approached the bouncer before the hearing and asked him not to testify.
She yelled, "That's not true," in court, was ejected by the bailiff and later was led away in handcuffs.
You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com.
UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy: