Prosecutors had advised the court during Geraldo Castro DeJesus’ Aug. 21 arraignment that additional charges might be brought against the defendant as more evidence became available. They delivered on that promise Sept. 11 during a pretrial hearing presided over by Judge Kevin Hull at Kitsap County Superior Court.

During the hearing prosecutor Coreen Schnepf added one count of attempted first-degree murder to the charges brought against DeJesus. The defendant is believed responsible for the deaths of ex-girlfriend Heather Keslo and her roommate’s son, 2-year-old Kaden Lum, who were shot to death at Kariotis Mobile Home Park in East Bremerton on March 28. A neighbor was also shot during the incident, but survived.

Originally, the defendant had been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree assault. The additional charge stems from the prosecution’s belief that DeJesus intended to also kill Kaden’s mother, Janisa Lum.

Tom Weaver, attorney for the defense, entered not guilty pleas for his client on all four counts. Weaver also requested a continuance, which Judge Hull granted, citing the fact that he required additional time to “enlist at least one expert witness, maybe more” and go over 20 CDs and DVDs of evidence that included witness statements and crime scene evidence. DeJesus appeared calm as he observed the proceedings from the jury box in the standing-room only courtroom.

A status hearing has been set for Nov.13. Trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 8.