Man pleads not guilty in beating death of Glendale relative
A 21-year-old man pleaded not guilty Thursday to one count of murder involving the beating death of an elderly relative who was discovered bleeding in a Glendale apartment last month.
James Sanchez, who family members say was not a blood relative of the deceased, appeared in Los Angeles County Superior Court in Pasadena for an arraignment with his wrists cuffed. He remains in custody in lieu of $1-million bail, the Glendale News-Press reported.
A family member found Ruben Sanchez, 84, on Nov. 18 in his apartment severely beaten, according to authorities. He later died at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.
The death marked the first homicide in Glendale since 2009.
Glendale police detectives and U.S. Marshals arrested James Sanchez the next day in El Cajon, east of San Diego.
The elder Sanchez lived alone, though family members believe James Sanchez may have lived with him for a time, said the victim’s grandson, Thomas.
James Sanchez, who will turn 22 this month, is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 13.
He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison if convicted.
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Twitter: @emfoxhall
Emily Foxhall is Times Community News staff writer.
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