Suspect makes 1st court appearance in slaying of 3, including San Bernardino dad, son

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- An alleged gang member made his first court appearance in the murder of three people, including a father and his 9-year-old son in San Bernardino.

More than a week after allegedly shooting and killing three people, 26-year old Trayvon Brown pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Monday.

The three victims included Travon Lamar Williams, Williams' 9-year-old son also named Travon, and family friend Samathy Mahan, 25.

"I hope he rots in hell for what he did," said Jill Milton, whose son went to school with young Travon.

MORE: Arrest made in fatal shooting of 3, including father and 9-year-old son

On Monday, Milton stopped by a growing memorial to pay her respects.

"It hurts a lot because a 9-year old didn't even have a chance to live his life. If I was here at the time, I would have taken a bullet for him," Milton said.

The boy's mother was in court for the arraignment. As soon as she saw Brown walk into the courtroom, she burst into tears.

Authorities say Brown was actually targeting Mahan, a documented gang member, who walked out of Superior Liquor with the boy and his father.

San Bernardino police say the community was crucial in making an arrest, a fact not lost on the people who live here.

"Most of the time, people, when they see murders, they don't step forward. They don't come through, because they're scared to come through, but I give the people props who came through, because now he's locked up in jail," Milton said.

Brown remains behind bars with bail set at $3 million.

A GoFundMe account was set up to help with funeral costs for Williams and his son.