Calif. Man Pleads Not Guilty in Hammer Killing

Published January 14, 2015

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.

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.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/story/calif-man-pleads-not-guilty-in-hammer-killing