San Diego Man Pleads Not Guilty in Slaying
A 39-year-old San Diego man is charged with murder and identity theft in conjunction with the death of Edward Clayton Andrews, 80, of Riverside County. Authorities said Andrews died of asphyxiation. Thomas Jeffrey Brooks, the defendant, pleaded not guilty on Monday.
During Brooks’ arraignment, the Deputy District Attorney recounted how Andrews and Brooks became “pen pals” while Brooks was serving in federal prison. After his release, Brooks stayed in contact with Andrews.
Neighbors say they saw Brooks at Andrews home a few days before Andrews was reported missing. Andrews’ body was discovered by suspicious neighbors who cracked open the large cement orb in the center of a rock garden Brooks had worked on. They had expected to find Andrews’ money or belongings. Instead, they found a human foot.
According to the Deputy District Attorney, Brooks has a criminal history including convictions for child abuse, possession of obscene material, fraud, and escape from federal prison.
Man pleads not guilty in 80-year-old's slaying, SignOnSanDiego.com, November 4, 2008
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