Man Pleads Not Guilty to Triple Murder : Courts: Despite attorney’s advice, Edward Charles III of Fullerton insists on being arraigned in case involving the slayings of his father, mother and younger brother.

A gas station mechanic accused of murdering his parents and younger brother insisted on pleading not guilty Monday to triple murder charges because he is eager to prove his innocence, his attorney said.

Deputy Public Defender Ronald Klar wanted to postpone the arraignment to give the defense additional time to independently investigate the case and review evidence compiled by the prosecution.

But Edward Charles III, 22, who could face the death penalty if convicted, insisted during the arraignment that Klar enter a plea of not guilty on his behalf, Klar said.

“He’s so adamant that he is not guilty and he doesn’t want to spend any more time incarcerated,” Klar said. “He said he wants to move this case along as quickly as possible. . . . “

Charles is accused of killing his father, Edward Charles Jr., 55, an engineer at Hughes Aircraft; his mother, Dolores, 47, a self-employed typist; and his brother, Danny, 19.

Deputy Dist. Atty. David Brent said he could not discuss the evidence against Charles, but said authorities would not have charged the young man if they did not believe he was responsible for the killings.

The three relatives were found dead in a family car that had been doused with gasoline and set on fire Nov. 7 outside a La Mirada high school. Authorities believe the assailant used a hammer and knife and suspect that the victims were killed elsewhere, possibly the Charles’ home in Fullerton, and later placed in the car. Stains believed to be blood were found in the victims’ home.

Authorities say Charles called a friend the day after the killings and confessed. But Klar said he plans to attack the friend’s statements as false.

Charles was arrested two days after the killings and charged after making several inconsistent statements to police, officials said. Charles told police he was at his girlfriend’s home on Nov. 6 and 7, but authorities say the girlfriend’s family did not corroborate those statements.

The girlfriend’s brother told authorities Charles called him for a ride on Nov. 7 about half a mile from the site of the burning car.

Arraignments in capital murder cases are typically delayed several times to allow attorneys to prepare for a preliminary hearing. Charles’ preliminary hearing was scheduled for Dec. 9.

Charles is being held without bail.