Politics & Government
April 15 Trial Set for Gary Allen Thomas in Beating Death of 94-Year-Old
Ramona man was originally scheduled to stand trial on Feb. 26 and faces 26 years to life.
A trial for Gary Allen Thomas, the Ramona man accused last year of beating his 94-year-old neighbor to death with a hammer, has been moved to April 15, a public affairs officer for the San Diego County District Attorney's Office said.
The Ramona man was originally scheduled to stand trial on Feb. 26 and faces 26 years to life in state prison if convicted of murder in the death of Mary Jean Eskridge.
Thomas pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity on Sept. 20, 2012 after a judge ruled that he must stand trial.
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If Thomas is found guilty, a second phase of trial would follow in which the defense would have to prove that the defendant was insane at the time of the killing.
Read more: Judge Says Gary Allen Thomas Must Stand Trial On Murder Charge
Find out what's happening in Ramonawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
On April 12 there will be a motions hearing at 8:30 a.m. Both the motions hearing and April 15 trial will be open to the public in Dept. 11 of the El Cajon courthouse.
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