Palos Verdes High School student pleads not guilty in South Los Angeles gang-linked murder

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Thursday, November 30, 2017
Palos Verdes High student pleads not guilty in South LA gang-linked murder
Eighteen-year-old Cameron Terrell pleaded not guilty to a gang-related killing in South Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Palos Verdes High School student Cameron Terrell, 18, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to a gang-related killing in South Los Angeles.

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His attorney, Jovan Blacknell, issued a statement which said in part, "Today was Cameron's arraignment. He entered a plea of not guilty and denied all special allegations."

Investigators say the shooting occurred on Oct. 1. According to police, 21-year-old Justin Holmes was gunned down on 78th street near Western Avenue. Investigators say Holmes was not in a gang.

Terrell was arrested Oct. 12 along with two juveniles, who are also facing charges.

Investigators allege the two juveniles asked Holmes where he was from and then shot him. They believe Terrell was the driver of the getaway car.

The criminal complaint against Terrell includes an allegation that the crimes were committed "for the benefit of or in association with a criminal street gang."

"Both the prosecution and defense need time to go through all the evidence," Terrell's attorney said. "As of right now, it is clear that Cameron didn't shoot anyone. He didn't have any weapon. He was not part of any conspiracy to commit this crime."