Brothers plead not guilty in Reseda schoolyard stabbing death

Two alleged gang members ordered to stand trial on charges that they stabbed an 18-year-old student to death on a school playground in Reseda pleaded not guilty Wednesday.

Anthony Carpio, 17, and Michael Steven Carpio, 19, allegedly attacked Kevin Orellana as he was playing handball at Grover Cleveland High School in Reseda last April. Orellana was punched and then eventually stabbed with a knife by the younger Carpio brother, according to a prosecutor.

Authorities said Orellana did not belong to a gang. He was an adult school student at West Valley Occupational Center in Woodland Hills, but had previously attended Cleveland High.

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Witnesses reported seeing Orellana’s two attackers escape in a waiting minivan driven by a young woman. Authorities used Twitter posts by witnesses and other methods to identify the suspects, including the alleged driver, 20-year-old Michelle Pineda. She’s been charged with accessory after the fact and also pleaded not guilty Wednesday.

All three suspects are being held in lieu of bail. The Carpio brothers face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Pineda faces up to seven years. A trial could begin as early as March 20.