Prosecutors still mulling charges for alleged killer

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MARINETTE, Wis. (AP) - A U.S. attorney's spokeswoman in the Western U.P. says federal prosecutors are still researching filing charges in the deaths of three teens on the Wisconsin-Michigan border.

Kaye Hooker said Friday there is no timeframe for making a decision.

Scott J. Johnson is charged with three counts of first-degree intentional homicide in Wisconsin state court.

The 38-year-old Kingsford man is accused of shooting at swimmers on the Menominee River on July 31. The three teens killed were from Michigan.

Johnson has been charged in Wisconsin because the shots were fired from here. But federal prosecutors could seek the death penalty.

Wisconsin authorities plan to have extra security in the Marinette County courtroom when Johnson has his hearing next week.

Johnson is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Wednesday when a judge will determine whether he should stand trial for the shootings.

District Attorney Brent DeBord says security will be very similar to measures used during a man convicted of fatally shooting and stabbing a hunter. Overtime and security cost the county about $33,000.

Authorities say extra security will be needed to transport Johnson, who will appear in court in civilian clothes.