LOS ANGELES — A man ordered to stand trial for the alleged fatal shooting of a dog owner after injuring the victim’s pet with his car pleaded not guilty today, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Deputy District Attorney Daniel Rochmes said Demonte Antone Thomas (dob 9/4/87) of Lancaster was held to answer on Aug. 1 for one count of murder with the allegation that a handgun was used.
The defendant is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on Oct. 5 in Department A21 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Antelope Valley Branch.
According to evidence presented at the preliminary hearing, the defendant struck the victim’s dog with his car on June 26, 2015. After the victim, Michael Davis, 22, requested that Thomas pay for the dog’s veterinary bills, the defendant allegedly pulled out a gun and fatally shot the victim, according to court testimony.
Bail for Thomas was set at $3 million. The defendant faces a possible maximum sentence of 40 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged.
