LOCAL : Suspect Denies Newport Murder
A Hollywood man accused of the stabbing death of a Newport Beach ophthalmologist last month pleaded not guilty today to the murder charge.
Allen John Lindsey, 23, was arraigned before Harbor Municipal Court Judge Frances Munoz, who rejected the defense attorney’s request that the $250,000 bail be reduced. Lindsey remains in Orange County Jail.
Lindsey reportedly has told police that he killed Dr. Boonkert Chulapatrcheevin in self-defense. The body of the 45-year-old ophthalmologist, known professionally as Dr. Chula, was found in his oceanfront duplex on Jan. 19, and his Mercedes-Benz was missing from the garage.
Lindsey was arrested five days later in Hollywood after Los Angeles police saw him driving the stolen vehicle.
Munoz set Lindsey’s preliminary hearing for Feb. 27. Public defender Anthony C. Kies said he expects the hearing to last two or three days.
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