Boy, 12, Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal Shooting of Woman
A 12-year-old boy accused of fatally shooting an 82-year-old Watts woman pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder charges Monday in Long Beach Juvenile Court.
The July 26 slaying received widespread coverage, not only because of the age of the boy, but also because he is believed to be a participant in the abduction and rape of a 13-year-old girl before he allegedly shot and killed Viola McClain in front of her home.
The boy and four other juveniles, along with a 20-year-old man, are also facing charges related to the gang rape.
Because of the boy’s age, his identity was not released, although Police Chief Willie Williams named him as a suspect Aug. 1 at a televised news conference, just hours before the boy turned himself in.
The juveniles are due back in court Oct. 23, said Sandi Gibbons, spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office.
More to Read
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.
