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Public Safety

Man Accused Of Homeless Attacks Pleads Not Guilty

Police arrest Jon David Guerrero, July 15, 2016.
10News
Police arrest Jon David Guerrero, July 15, 2016.

A 40-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to attacking nearly a dozen homeless men and an elderly woman in San Diego, killing four people.

RELATED: Man Accused In Homeless Attacks Ruled Mentally Competent To Stand Trial

Jon Guerrero entered pleas Tuesday to murder with special circumstances, attempted murder, arson and assault. Prosecutors will decide whether to seek the death penalty.

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Authorities say Guerrero attacked homeless men last year, some as they slept. They were struck in the back of the head or had railroad spikes driven into their bodies. Two were set on fire.

RELATED: Roundtable Special Edition: San Diego’s Homeless Crisis

He is also charged with killing 83-year-old Molly Simons, who was struck in the head on her way to a YMCA where she volunteered.

She was not homeless.

Authorities have not mentioned a motive for the attacks.

KPBS has created a public safety coverage policy to guide decisions on what stories we prioritize, as well as whose narratives we need to include to tell complete stories that best serve our audiences. This policy was shaped through months of training with the Poynter Institute and feedback from the community. You can read the full policy here.