An Arleta man who was allegedly involved in an attack on his next-door neighbor pleaded not guilty Tuesday to murder and other charges.
Javier Garcia, 22, and two other men who are still being sought are suspected in the Dec. 21 attack on Edgar Barrientos, 37, in the 8800 block of Beachy Avenue.
Barrientos went outside his house to investigate loud car noises and was allegedly beaten by Garcia and the other two men. Two other neighbors who tried to stop the attack were allegedly threatened by Garcia, and Barrientos was stabbed to death when he came to their aid, according to authorities.
Garcia, who was arrested later the same day by the Los Angeles Police Department, is charged with one count each of murder and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury, along with two counts each of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
He is due back in a San Fernando courtroom on Feb. 10.
— City News Service