Calif. Man Pleads Not Guilty in Hammer Killing
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A San Bernardino County man accused of using a hammer to beat a cable TV installer to death has pleaded not guilty to murder.
Johnny Acosta, 45, of Hesperia entered the plea Thursday in Superior Court in Victorville. He remained jailed Friday on $2 million bail.
Prosecutors say 25-year-old Trevor Neiman — an ex-Marine who served three Iraq tours and survived a recent knife attack — was installing cable in a Victorville home when Acosta attacked him from behind Monday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Acosta fled but surrendered several hours later. Authorities say they have no motive for the attack.
Acosta has two convictions for voluntary manslaughter and attempted rape. If convicted of a third strike, he could face 86 years to life in prison.