Crime & Safety

UPDATED: Man Accused of Nearly Killing Acquaintance Near Lake Elsinore Pleads Not Guilty

Along with the attempted murder count, Andy Abegg is facing sentence- enhancing allegations of using a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony and causing injuries leading to paralysis or a comatose condition.

A probationer accused of severely beating an acquaintance in his Lake Elsinore-area home was charged Thursday with attempted murder.

Andy Dean Abegg, 32, was arrested Monday after allegedly attacking the victim at his property in the 28000 block of Red Gum Drive.

Along with the attempted murder count, Abegg is facing sentence- enhancing allegations of using a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony and causing injuries leading to paralysis or a comatose condition.

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The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges and was appointed a public defender. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Becky Dugan also kept his bail at $1 million and scheduled a felony settlement conference in the case for April 28.

According to sheriff's Sgt. Todd Torrenti, deputies were called to the Red Gum Drive property, which lies at the end of a dirt road on the eastern edge of the city, around 2:40 p.m. Monday to investigate reports of an assault and discovered a man with life-threatening head injuries.

Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The victim was transported to a hospital, where he remains in grave condition, according to sheriff's officials. His name has not been released.

Torrenti said Abegg, who was waiting in front of the house when deputies rolled up, was arrested on the spot, without incident.

A possible motive for the attack was not disclosed.

According to court records, in February 2013, Abegg was sentenced to three years probation for violating a domestic violence-related restraining order. He also has other misdemeanor convictions for obstructing a peace officer, driving under the influence and battery.

The defendant is being held at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta.

– City News Service.


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