Orozco appears in court for arraignment

Mark Orozco

Mark Orozco

By Dave Gong

One of the former NIU students charged in the April 5 shooting of NIU linebacker Devon Butler appeared in court today for arraignment.

Mark Orozco, 23, plead not guilty to nine total charges in connection with the April 5 shooting at 1009 Aspen Court. Circuit Judge Robbin Stuckert presented Orozco with a formal reading of the charges, which included three counts of attempted first-degree murder, one count of aggravated battery with a firearm, two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm and two counts of armed violence, as well as one count of the unlawful delivery of cannabis.

Orozco said he understood his rights and the charges brought against him.

Police have said they believe Orozco fired the shots that hit Butler. Co-defendant, former NIU student Richard Van Arsdale III, is believed to be the driver of the vehicle involved in the shooting.

Orozco is scheduled appear in court on August 30.