The lead suspect in the fatal shootings of four people in Northridge promised a judge in September that he would stay away from guns when he was placed on probation for a methamphetamine charge, according to court records.

Then, suspect Ka Pasasouk, 31, of Los Angeles almost had his probation revoked just three weeks ago when he missed a court hearing. But when he showed up at the courthouse later that day, the judge allowed him to remain free.

Pasasouk also failed to check in with his probation officer twice this year, and the county was in the process of obtaining another warrant for his arrest before the Northridge shootings took place, county officials said Thursday.

Read more at the LA Daily News