Teen Pleads Not Guilty in Stabbing
A former Rio Mesa High School student accused of stabbing two students during a noon-hour clash pleaded not guilty to assault charges in Ventura County Superior Court on Wednesday.
Eric Padilla, 18, is accused of knifing a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old in a bloody melee at Rio Mesa High School on March 9.
Moments after the attack a school security officer tackled Padilla as he fled, authorities said. Deputies found a knife nearby believed to have been used in the attack.
Padilla faces two counts of assault with a deadly weapon--for use of the knife--and a “gang-enhancement” charge. Padilla has denied that the attack was gang related.
If convicted Padilla could spend up to 15 years in prison.
The jury trial is set to start Aug. 12.
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