SAN FRANCISCO – A Southern California man charged with killing an Australian tourist in a fight in San Francisco has pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter, assault and battery.
Thirty-four-year-old David Murillo, of Hesperia, entered the plea on Tuesday in the death of Matthew Bate.
Mark Jacobs, Murillo's public defender, said his client had two children and would not intentionally hurt anyone.
Authorities say Bate of Australia's Woolner Northern Territory got into an argument with two men that turned physical early Friday outside a hotel.
San Francisco police spokeswoman Officer Giselle Talkoff said police were not releasing information about what sparked the argument.
San Francisco District Attorney's Office spokesman Alex Bastian says alcohol may have been a factor.
The 33-year-old Bate fell and hit his head after being struck by a single punch. He died at a hospital.
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
