Man accused of murdering attorney enters Not Guilty plea

On Wednesday, 49-year-old Ion Laurint entered a plea of not guilty at Brawley Superior Court on the charge of murdering 53-three-year-old attorney Anne Marie Zimmerman. Some people in the community say they knew her and want answers.

Retired attorney Don Scoville said, “I had several cases with Anne Marie. And she’s a very fine attorney and a very fine person. And I’m saddened that there just doesn’t seem to be any information about what really happened.”

He has fond memories of the victim.

“She was a fighter. She represented her clients to the upmost and sometimes it was frustrating but she was very pleasant about it,” Scoville said.

Sure Helpline Crisis Center Director Margaret Sauza knew both Zimmerman and Laurint.

“He always struck me as somebody that I couldn’t trust. And I told her how I felt. I didn’t like him. I didn’t care for him. I didn’t want to be around him. And Anne Marie knew it,” Sauza said.

Scoville said the public is entitled to know more information on the case.

“The more the public knows that the police are doing something then the more they may be incline to call the police to help them,” Scoville said.

His concern now is for the community.

“I don’t know if the public is at risk. And that’s why I think we’re entitled to know the facts,” Scoville said.

Sauza said Zimmerman will always be remembered.

“Anne Marie was the most kindest, most wonderful person,” Sauza said.

Laurint’s bail was set at one million dollars. Pre-trial was set for Wednesday, March 15th at Brawley Superior Court.