The man accused of murdering University student Kami Talley was arraigned Wednesday in Hennepin County District Court.
Louis Cardona Buggs, 23, was indicted last week for first-degree murder. At the arraignment, Buggs’ criminal complaint was dismissed, and prosecutors now must prove that Buggs committed the charge listed on the indictment.
Buggs allegedly went to Talley’s workplace Feb. 14 and shot her several times in the stomach.
When Minneapolis police arrived at the scene, Talley was still alive, according to the complaint. She informed the officer that “Buggs” had shot her. She later died at Hennepin County Medical Center.
Buggs had a history of violence against Talley, his former girlfriend. In October 1995, Buggs was found guilty of gross misdemeanor fifth-degree assault and given jail-time, as well as a two-year probation, during which he was not to contact Talley.
According to the complaint, Talley told police officers in 1995 she was afraid to pursue assault charges against Buggs because he had told her, “If you call police and I do any time for this, I’ll kill you.”
Buggs and Talley had a young daughter, Ambreen, who now lives with Talley’s mother.
Buggs violated the restraining order the day before the murder, according to a friend’s testimony in the complaint.
Buggs remains in Hennepin County jail on $1 million bail. His attorney, John Lucas, asked for a bail reduction to $250,000 at a July 26 appearance. The request was denied.
Buggs faces life in prison if convicted of charges of first-degree murder.
A Sept. 9 date has been set on the trial calendar. At that hearing, a judge will be appointed to oversee the trial, and another trial date will be set.