Attempted Homicide: June 2009 Archives

A man accused of shooting his father three times in Gardena was charged Tuesday with attempted murder, according to prosecutors.

Albert Almaraz, 35, made his first appearance in Torrance Superior Court on Tuesday afternoon, but his arraignment was postponed until June 9, according to Deputy District Attorney Jodi Link.

He is also facing special allegations that he caused great bodily injury and used a firearm during the shooting Friday at the family's flower shop, Link added.

He remains jailed on more than $2 million bail, Link said.

Michael Norris, said his client was concerned about his father.

"The police believe my client discharged a firearm during the incident," Norris said. "However, in my investigation to this point, I have not been able to locate any witnesses to support that assumption by the police."

Almaraz allegedly shot Robert Almaraz, 67, during a dispute involving family problems at Colors Flowers and Gifts at 1858 Marine Ave., police said.

The elder Almaraz was shot three times and is expected to survive.