Local News in Brief : Sylmar Man to Be Tried in Death of Bystander
A Sylmar man accused of killing a bystander during what police described as an attempted drug rip-off was ordered Friday to stand trial for murder.
San Fernando Municipal Judge James E. Satt also ruled that there was enough evidence for Walter Kevin Larkin, 28, to face special-circumstances allegations that could result in the death penalty if he is convicted.
Larkin is accused of killing Modesto Miranda, 18, of Mexico as Larkin struggled with an admitted drug dealer over a handgun on the 10500 block of Cantara Street in Sun Valley on May 3.
Ascension Beltran of Mexico, who was granted immunity from prosecution in the case, said he was arranging to sell cocaine and heroin to two men when one of them pulled a World War I-era .45-caliber revolver and placed it against his head.
Beltran testified that the gun discharged as he and his assailant grappled over it. Other witnesses said they later found Miranda shot in the head nearby. Beltran testified that Miranda was coming to his aid when the shooting started.
Larkin also was ordered to stand trial on charges of attempting to rob a nearby convenience store three days before the shooting.
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