Man Accused Of Killing, Burying Pregnant Girlfriend Charged With Second Murder Count
COMPTON (CBSLA.com) — A 22-year-old Compton man who allegedly killed his live-in girlfriend and buried her body in his backyard has been charged with a second count of murder after authorities determined the woman was pregnant.
Devion Keith Anderson is scheduled for arraignment on January 17 stemming from last month's death of 18-year-old Maria Gonzalez.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office stated Wednesday it was revealed Anderson's girlfriend was pregnant during the investigation.
The felony complaint states Anderson "did unlawfully and with malice aforethought murder a human fetus."
Deputy District Attorney Jodi Link, who filed the case, said that on the evening of December 23, deputies received a 911 call from a family member at Anderson's home. Authorities were told the defendant may have killed and buried his girlfriend.
When patrol arrived, they discovered freshly dug dirt in the backyard, Link said. After excavating the area, officials found the girlfriend's body.
A few hours later, Anderson surrendered at the Compton Sheriff's station, Link said.
Anderson was previously charged on December 27 with one count of murder with a special allegation that the murder was committed willfully, deliberately and with premeditation.
The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Prosecutors have recommended that the defendant's bail be set at $1 million.
If convicted as charged, Anderson faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.
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