US Walmart shooter charged with murder

A US man who walked into a Walmart store in a Denver suburb and opened fire seemingly at random, killing three people, has been charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.

Scott Ostrem, 47, was told during a brief hearing in Adams County District Court in Brighton on Monday that he had been charged with six counts of murder and 30 counts of attempted murder.

The six murder counts include two for each slain victim, under different legal theories.

No one else was wounded in the attack, but prosecutors said the attempted murder charges referred to other people in the store who could have been struck by gunfire.

The charges could make Ostrem eligible for the death penalty if he is convicted.

Adams County District Attorney Dave Young told reporters outside court that he had not decided whether to seek it.

"The (victims') families will certainly be a part of that determination," Young said, adding that additional charges could be filed in the case.

The defendant, who was shackled and dressed in yellow and white jail garb, gave one-word answers to the judge. He did not enter a plea.

Police said they had yet to establish a motive for the rampage last Wednesday, which took place amid a string of US mass shootings that have renewed calls for restrictions on gun ownership.