CLEVELAND — The firefighter charged with killing three people in an apparent dispute over July Fourth fireworks will challenge prosecutors’ claims that the attack was planned, his defense attorney said Wednesday.

Hough

John Hildebrand, attorney for Terrance Hough Jr., 35, a Cleveland firefighter, said the defendant appeared to have snapped early July 5 before the shooting at a party at a neighbor’s home.

“He didn’t walk out there with the intent of killing anybody. It just, it happened,” Hildebrand said.

Hildebrand also said the defense was investigating medical issues that might be raised on Hough’s behalf. Hildebrand wouldn’t elaborate, but firefighters and others who work rotating shifts can be more subject to sleep disorders.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, shift workers often don’t get enough sleep, which can lead to irritability, impatience, anxiety and depression that can “upset job and family relationships, spoil social activities and cause unnecessary suffering.” 

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