Man pleads not guilty to charges in fatal rush-hour shooting

A 29-year-old man pleaded not guilty Friday to charges related to the rush-hour shooting death of a Los Angeles Unified School District custodian, according to the L.A. County district attorney’s office.

Kenneth Clay has been charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder in the Nov. 25 shooting, said Jean Guccione, a district attorney’s office spokeswoman. Clay is due back in court Dec. 19.

Police said Clay was involved in the death of Jarret Crump, 21. On Nov. 25, Crump and a female friend were stopped at a light about 5:40 p.m. at the intersection of West Century Boulevard and South Vermont Boulevard, according to The Times’ Homicide Report.

THE HOMICIDE REPORT: Chronicling victims of homicide in L.A. County

A gunman got out of a black SUV in another lane, walked through traffic and shot at Crump and the woman. The woman was treated for a graze wound, and Crump was taken to a hospital, where he later died.

Clay also faces a count of possession of a firearm by a felon, Guccione said. Prosecutors also allege that the crime was committed for the benefit of a street gang, she said.

On Sunday, investigators released surveillance footage hoping for witnesses to come forward, even though Clay was already in custody.

Detectives believe Clay is involved but do not know if he is the gunman, said LAPD Det. Sal LaBarbera.

Clay was arrested Nov. 26 on a parole violation after investigators spotted a car that looked similar to the black SUV used in the shooting, LaBarbera said.

Police are still looking for a second man believed to be involved.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (213) 485-1383. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

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nicole.santacruz@latimes.com