Man Convicted of Killing Friend Over Denial of Loan
A 19-year-old Encino man who hammered a friend to death for refusing to lend him money for a date was convicted of second-degree murder Monday and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
Kevin Scott Howerton, who was traced by a bloody footprint, was found guilty after a non-jury trial heard by Judge John P. Farrell in San Fernando Superior Court.
Prosecutors said Howerton killed Jeff Ross, 39, of Northridge, at Ross’ house last November during an attempt to borrow money so he could take out his girlfriend. Howerton and Ross had been friends for several years. Howerton at one time lived with Ross, and Ross had given him money in the past, prosecutors said.
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