LODI, Calif. — Four men accused in the murder and conspiracy case of long-time Lodi podiatrist Dr. Thomas Shock were all arraigned this afternoon in San Joaquin County Superior Court in Stockton.
Robert Elmo Lee, 76, of Lodi, 26-year-old Christopher Anthony Costello of Sacramento, 27-year-old Mallory Stewart of Sacramento and 26-year-ol Raymond Jacquett of Sacramento all stood before Judge Ron Northrup facing murder charges.
Stewart and Lee are also charged with a special circumstance allegation of committing a murder while lying in wait.
Additionally, Stewart faces a special circumstance allegation of committing a murder for financial gain, the enhancement of personal use of a firearm, having a prior serious felony conviction and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
None entered pleas today. The arraignment was continued until October 12. All remain in custody without bail.
Shock was shot in the doorway of his home on August 1 in Lodi. Lodi Police made an arrest of the four defendants over the past two days.
An attorney for Lee would not comment. The other defendants asked to have attorneys appointed for them. No other details were released by the San Joaquin County District Attorney's office.
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79-year-old Robert Elmo Lee of Lodi, 26-year-old Christopher Anthony Costello, 27-year-old Mallory Stewart and 26-year-old Raymond Jacquett all of Sacramento, arraigned on murder charges in the death of long time Lodi podiatrist Dr. Thomas Shock.
"I admired his work ethic. I admired the way he loved his family," says Marty Weybret of Lodi.
Weybret is a family spokesperson and knew Dr. Shock as close friend for over three decades.
"He gave his time to his family. He gave his time to his community. Just an all around great guy and now we have lost all of that," says Weybret.
The 67 year old doctor, an avid bicycle enthusiast, was shot and killed in the doorway of his home on August 1st.
According to a complaint filed with the Board of Podiatric Medicine, turns out in 2011, Robert Lee's wife had an infected in-grown toe and Dr Shock treated it.
However, it was alleged in the complaint Dr. Shock was "grossly negligent" in his care and the left foot had to be amputated.
He was later disciplined by the board, but eventually chose to surrender his license after more than 30 years and retire.
"I know Tom was a conscientious doctor. He would have wanted the best for Mrs. Lee and it didn't go well apparently. As a society we are so quick to blame. We want our medical professionals to be gods and they're not," said Weybret.
Lee's daughter was at the arraignment, but refused to comment.
So, did Lee's attorney.
Stewart and Lee are also charged with a special circumstance allegation of committing a murder while lying in wait.
Additionally, Stewart faces a special circumstance allegation of committing a murder for financial gain, the enhancement of personal use of a firearm, having a prior serious felony.
No bail was set for all defendants.
The arraignment is scheduled to continue on October 12th.