LOS ANGELES (CNS) — A North Hollywood man accused of trying to rob a downtown pharmacy and knocking down an 89-year-old customer, who hit his head and died, has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge.
Ricardo Macias, 24, was ordered to return to court on March 29, when a date is expected to be set for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
Macias allegedly tried to steal items from a pharmacy in the 200 block of West Seventh Street on Dec. 20. He assaulted a security guard when he was confronted, then tried to flee, but collided with the customer while trying to run out of the store, prosecutors allege.
The customer, Jack Hernandez, fell and hit his head. He died at a hospital.
Macias, who was arrested that day, was charged with murder on Dec. 24 and remains jailed in lieu of $2 million bail. He was not charged with robbery or with the alleged assault on the security guard.
If convicted as charged, Macias faces up to 25 years to life in prison, according to the District Attorney’s Office.