Ramona
A Ramona man who left a rattlesnake in a box for his mother was sent to Chino State Prison Thursday for a 90-day diagnostic study.
Marvin Howard Pruitt II, 28, who pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon on Oct. 23 upon his mother, Bernice Eldridge, 51, will be sentenced Feb. 26.
Pruitt faces a maximum sentence of four years in state prison.
“I find a diagnostic study would be helpful to this court,” ruled San Diego Superior Court Judge J. Richard Haden.
Pruitt’s attorney, Ronald Brahms, said he, the district attorney’s office, and the San Diego County Probation Department had requested the study to seek more information about Pruitt.
Pruitt’s friend, David Paul Pocock, 19, of Ramona, has also pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon and faces sentencing Dec. 5.
Both men were originally charged with attempted murder, but that charge was dismissed.
Eldridge testified that her son left the box for her Aug. 4 in her driveway, saying it contained pictures. She instead called sheriff’s deputies after he left. A deputy found the snake inside the box.
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