A man accused of killing three young Muslims in North Carolina can face the death penalty, the judge has ruled.

Prosecutors say that Craig Stephen Hicks, 46, shot to death a newlywed couple who were his neighbors in Chapel Hill, as well as the wife’s sister, who was a college student, back in February, according to a Reuters report.

Hicks was indicted on three counts of first-degree murder. He said little during his hearing, answering the judge’s questions with “yes, sir” before prosecutors began to present their case for going after him for a capital crime.

He allegedly shot 23-year-old Deah Shaddy Barakat, 21-year-old Yusor Mohammad Abu Salha, and 19-year-old Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha. The case drew international attention with many calling it a hate crime, although police initially argued that it was over a parking dispute.

Authorities are currently investigating whether it was a hate crime, which could result in more charges against Hicks, although Durham County District Attorney Roger Echols said that first-degree murder was his focus, according to the report.

Prosecutors say Hicks’ blood was on the pants of one of the victims, and there was gunshot revenue on his hands. Hicks had turned himself into police shortly after, and authorities found the gun used in the shooting in his possession.

Prosecutors believe HIcks shot Barakat first before firing on the two women as they screamed. They were both shot in the head.

Hicks had argued with the victims over parking before, according to Assistant Attorney Jim Dornfried. He also kept pictures and notes on parking activity, police search warrants have stated.

The families of the victims have been adamant in saying that he targeted the three individuals because of their religion and want hate-crime charges. They sat in the second row of the courtroom during the hearing, and Hicks was handcuffed throughout it.