A Vermont judge has deemed Jason Eaton fit to stand trial for the November 2023 shooting of three Palestinian American students near the University of Vermont.

Eaton, who pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges, allegedly shot the students without speaking, as they walked in his neighborhood wearing keffiyeh scarves and speaking in Arabic and English.

Prosecutors say there is insufficient evidence to classify the incident as a hate crime, though the students’ families have called for it, the Associated Press has reported.

Defense attorneys have until May 31 to complete depositions, with a status hearing set for March.

Written by B.C. Begley