KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasAttorney Says Deadly Shooting Was Self-Defense

Attorney Says Deadly Shooting Was Self-Defense

The man police say shot and killed a local high school student appeared in court Thursday morning. Donald Schuster, 30, has been in jail since Jan. 22. He surrendered to police after shooting and killing 16-year-old Jon Michael Ginoulias and wounding Nick Erichetto.

In court, with his head held down, Schuster's bail was set at $500,000. The prosecution originally asked for a million. The defense wanted $150,000. Schuster is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.

His attorney, Michael Cristalli, says he will prove in court the shooting was in self-defense. "Both Donald and his brother were assaulted. They were beaten up pretty badly. Donald did get away. He went inside the residence, obtained a weapon, came back out. As he was coming out of the door an individual lunged at him inside his doorway, and a shot was fired. A second shot was fired outside while four or five individuals were on top of his bother."

Police say the entire incident was the result of a neighborhood feud.

Schuster believed the teens had slashed his girlfriend's tires. Schuster's attorney says this is not a case of first-degree murder. He says his client's position is that he was not wearing his contact lenses or glasses and could not see anything when firing his gun. Cristalli says Schuster did not mean to shoot anyone and they will prove it in court.

Schuster's next court appearance is Feb. 17.