Crime & Safety

Preliminary Hearing for Suspect In Death of Ramonan Shane Tatro

Miles Lockhart, 52, has been charge with murder, after an alleged fight over marijuana in September.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled in El Cajon today for a Ramona man accused of fatally shooting another man during a fight after a failed marijuana buy last September.

Miles Lockhart, 52, is charged with murder in the death of fellow Ramona resident Shane Tatro.

On the afternoon of Sept. 16, wounding the 38-year-old victim in the stomach, according to sheriff's officials. Tatro died several hours later at Palomar Medical Center in Escondido.

Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Deputy District Attorney John Pro said investigators found more than 100 pounds of marijuana, five firearms and a surveillance system at Lockhart's home.

The defendant told authorities that Tatro had come to his home to buy marijuana, but Lockhart refused to sell it to him because he was a stranger.

Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As Tatro drove away, Lockhart noticed that a surveillance camera had been tampered with and yelled at the victim to come back, which he did, according to the prosecutor.

Pro said Lockhart and Tatro fought, and during the struggle, one of Lockhart's sons handed a 12-gauge shotgun to his father. Lockhart told authorities that the shotgun discharged during a "tug of war" with Tatro.

Following today's preliminary hearing, Judge Lantz Lewis will decide if enough evidence was presented for Lockhart to stand trial.

—City News Service


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