CLEARLAKE — A preliminary hearing readiness conference was set for 1:15 p.m. Feb. 11 in Lake County Superior Court Department 4, Clearlake in the people”s case against Michael Gil Truscott, 30, of Clearlake. Truscott has pleaded not guilty to allegations of murder related to the September 2009 shooting death of Anthony Cruz, 30.
A preliminary hearing has been set for 1:15 p.m. March 5 in Department 4. Truscott is being represented by Public Defender William Conwell. Deputy District Attorney John Deshane is prosecuting the case.
Truscott is being charged with murder in relation to the shooting death of Cruz, who died of a single gunshot wound to his chest on Sept. 4.
According to Cruz”s girlfriend, Kelly Clasen, who witnessed the incident, Cruz was shot in the early morning hours when he attempted to confront trespassers on his property. Clasen said that Cruz stuck his head out a bedroom window to yell at the trespassers, who were allegedly attempting to steal his medical marijuana, when he was shot.
Clasen maintains the belief that theft of the medical marijuana was not the primary motive because the plants were immature and those targeted were less accessible than those left undisturbed. In addition she said that Cruz and Truscott had been in a physical altercation about two days prior to the shooting.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
