Long Beach Man, 57, Accused Of Trying To Murder Friend With Milk Crate
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) A 57-year-old Long Beach man is accused of trying to murder a friend with a milk crate, authorities said.
Riccardo Gonzalez Rangel has been charged with two felony counts: attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
He pleaded not guilty Thursday.
The felony complaint includes a special allegation that the defendant used a deadly and dangerous weapon, the milk crate, during the commission of the crime. Rangel allegedly inflicted great bodily injury to the victim who was left with paralysis and comatose due to a brain injury.
Deputy DA Tapti Patel said Rangel and his friend were at an apartment complex in Long Beach on June 21 when the two men got into an argument.
At some point, Rangel allegedly hit his friend with a milk crate several times, the prosecutor said. After being struck, the friend fell and hit his head.
Authorities were called and the victim was taken to the hospital for medical treatment, where he currently remains, the prosecutor said.
Rangel is scheduled to return to Long Beach Superior Court on Aug. 5 for a pre-hearing.
If convicted as charged, Rangel faces a possible maximum sentence of life in state prison.
