Santa Ana : Man Pleads Not Guilty in Nadia Puente Death
A Los Angeles man who told Texas reporters that he killed 9-year-old Nadia Puente of Santa Ana while he was high on cocaine pleaded not guilty Friday to charges of kidnaping and murder.
At the same hearing in Santa Ana, Richard Lucio DeHoyos, 31, asked through his lawyer to be excused from appearing personally at some future court appearances for fear of his safety.
“Every time he’s brought over here (to the courthouse), he’s harassed verbally and physically by other inmates,” defense attorney Milton C. Grimes said.
DeHoyos’ preliminary hearing was set for Aug. 9. At the close of that hearing, a judge will determine whether there is enough evidence to order DeHoyos to stand trial for murder and other charges. He could face the death penalty.
DeHoyos is accused in the death of Nadia Puente, the Santa Ana schoolgirl who disappeared March 20 on her way home from school and was found dead the next day in Griffith Park. She had apparently been sexually molested.
Grimes, citing “strong indications of mental problems” for DeHoyos, said he will consider an insanity defense against the charges. Grimes said he may also challenge statements that DeHoyos made to authorities and the media in San Antonio after his arrest there on April 3.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
