Man accused of killing neighbor makes court appearance

The man accused of killing his neighbor in the parking lot of their apartment complex in El Centro, was in court today.

The murder happened in late June and neighbors of the two men, are still shocked by it all.

26-year-old Santos Velasquez, appeared in front of a judge today to set the date for his preliminary setting. Velasquez has pleaded not guilty to murder in the death of his neighbor.

“He is currently facing, one count of murder. he is also facing a charge of assault with a deadly weapon,” said Laura Keenan, Deputy District Attorney with Imperial County.

According to the El centro Police Department ( ECPD ), 58-year-old Heriberto Moreno was found severely injured in the parking lot of Brunner’s Inn and Suites.

” I was woken up by a detective telling me that someone got killed and beaten up here. It was scary, very unexpected, ” said June Mcneill , El Centro resident.

ECPD said Moreno had stab wounds on his neck and had suffered a head injury.

One neighbor, who did not want to be interviewed recalls the suspect

banging the victim’s head on the ground with a pan or a dust pan of the sort.

” He thinks he’s not guilty. In my opinion he is 100% guilty. There are witnesses to the fact that he is guilty, ” said Sean Mcneill , El Centro, resident.

To this day, it is still unclear what transpired between the two men.

Mcneill says the people who live in the complex are friendly people who look out for each other, he says the thought of someone hurting their own neighbor is tragic.

Velasquez is expected back in court on November 14.

Copyright 2018 KYMA