A Nov. 14 preliminary hearing has been set for Brandon Kyle Cooper, 36, who is charged with murder in the Memorial Day stabbing of Spencer Thompson, 38, who collapsed from a stab wound in the 2800 block of University Avenue in North Park.
The family of Thompson told a television station they believed it was a hate crime because Thompson is gay. San Diego Police said they do not believe it was a hate crime.
Thompson, of North Park, was stabbed in his abdomen around 9:34 p.m. May 29 and he collapsed in front of Glenn’s Market, which was closed at the time. He was transported to Scripps Mercy Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Cooper, who was homeless, was described as a friend of Thompson, and the stabbing followed a quarrel. Police arrested him May 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Seaport Village area.
Cooper is also charged with carrying a concealed dagger. He has been previously convicted of three counts of auto theft, two counts of grand theft and felony assault. He has been to prison for grand theft, according to court records.
Cooper has pleaded not guilty in San Diego Superior Court. He remains in the Vista Detention Facility on $2 million bail.
