2 to Stand Trial on Murder and Drug Charges

Two men were ordered to stand trial Wednesday on charges of murdering a Serra Mesa man.

Keith M. Hutchinson, 26, and David A. Self, 31, both of San Diego, face one count of murder each in addition to drug and weapons charges.

They are accused of bludgeoning to death Clarence Williams, 36, in his condominium on Aug. 7. Williams’ body was found on the Pala Indian Reservation Sept. 13. Authorities were able to identify the victim after getting one fingerprint from the decomposed remains.

Hutchinson and Self were arrested and charged with the killing even before the body was recovered.

An investigation determined that a large quantity of blood had been spilled in William’s apartment, and a small pool of the same blood type was found in the wheel well of Hutchinson’s car when he was stopped by National City police one week after Williams disappeared.

The apparent motive for the killing was an unpaid debt, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Jeffrey Fraser. Testimony at a preliminary hearing Wednesday indicated that Hutchinson had loaned Williams about $500 and a small quantity of marijuana to help him re-establish his drug-trading business.

Prosecutors say Hutchinson and Self were the last people seen with Williams while he was still alive.

Defense attorneys representing defendants maintain that the three were involved in a fight, but that Williams ran out of his condominium, never to be seen again.

Municipal Judge William H. Woodward set a Superior Court arraignment date of Oct. 22. Until that time, Hutchinson and Self will be held in lieu of $1 million bail.