SLO County man accused of fatally shooting man, stabbing woman pleads not guilty
A Creston man accused of fatally shooting one person and stabbing another on the same day in North County entered a not guilty plea Thursday in San Luis Obispo Superior Court.
Cruz Christopher Gomez is alleged to have murdered Jack Dean Everhart, 42, of Creston, on April 6 in Santa Margarita. The shooting was reported to San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office officials at about 7:30 a.m.
The 42-year-old Creston man is also suspected of stabbing a female victim multiple times later the same day in Paso Robles, according to a Paso Robles Police Department news release. She was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Gomez was arrested later that afternoon on St. Anne Drive in Paso Robles.
He faces charges of murder, causing great bodily injury by discharging a firearm and assault with a deadly weapon. Gomez has some charge enhancements because of previous convictions for various drug crimes.
William Gamble, Gomez’s attorney, said Gomez is entering a not guilty plea to all charges and enhancements of which he is accused.
Gamble said he and Gomez are waiting on the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office to interview witnesses so the office can “make them an offer.” Gomez waived his right to a speedy trial, and the next hearing date is scheduled for June 15.
Gomez remains in San Luis Obispo County Jail custody in lieu of $1.25 million bail. A judge issued three restraining orders protecting seven people from Gomez in a previous hearing.
