A Gardena man pleaded not guilty Feb. 24 in the killing of a 73-year-old man with a mallet, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.
David Xavier Bushman, a 44-year-old Latino, faces one count of murder in the killing of Arthur George Palmer of La Crescenta.
Palmer was found bludgeoned to death at his home on July 24, 2015, according to prosecutors. According to a criminal complaint, prosecutors believe Bushman killed Palmer sometime between July 21 and 24.
L.A. County Sheriff’s Department detectives found DNA evidence that connected Bushman to crime, according to Lt. Dave Coleman. Bushman was arrested Feb. 8.
Bushman is scheduled to return to court on April 5. If convicted as charged, he could face a maximum sentence of 38 years to life in prison.