A Los Angeles resident pleaded not guilty Monday to the stabbing murder of a homeless man who had exchanged words with the defendant’s girlfriend in Hollywood.
Spencer Jay Doland, 35, could face up to 26 years to life in prison if convicted of the slaying of 48-year-old Daryl Hanson, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
He was ordered to return to court on April 5, when a date is expected to be set for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
Hanson had a verbal exchange with Doland’s girlfriend as she sat in the defendant’s car outside a liquor store in the early morning hours of Oct. 11, according to prosecutors, who did not disclose the nature of the conversation.
Hanson was gone when Doland returned to his vehicle, but Doland allegedly caught up with him in a back alley in the 7500 block of Sunset Boulevard, where the stabbing took place.
Doland was arrested four days later by members of the FBI Fugitive Task Force, according to LAPD Capt. Cory Palka.
Palka said people who live in the area described Hanson as well-liked in the community.