D.A. May Seek Death for Accused in Linda Vista Slaying

The death penalty may be sought for a Spring Valley man, previously convicted of murder in Texas, in a Linda Vista slaying in May, the district attorney’s office announced Wednesday.

Douglas Hines Jr., 42, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to the May 1 murder of Nita Nevarez, 53, who was stabbed repeatedly in her Linda Vista apartment.

Special-circumstances allegations have been filed against Hines that allow the prosecution to seek the death penalty if Hines is convicted.

Special circumstances are sought because Hines had been convicted of murder before and the recent slaying was allegedly committed during a robbery and burglary.

San Diego Superior Court Judge Jesus Rodriguez set the trial for Jan. 29, 1992.

Nevarez was acquainted with Hines and was seen leaving her apartment the day of the slaying, Deputy Dist. Atty. Rupert Linley said. Items from her residence were found in his possession, Linley said.

According to court records, Hines was convicted on March 4, 1974, in Bear County, Tex., of murder with malice of an elderly woman.

Linley said Hines served nearly 14 years in prison for the Texas killing and was paroled in 1988.

Hines remains in County Jail without bail.