A man charged on suspicion of fatally shooting a 19-year-old Huntington Beach woman and hiding her body in an ice chest has pleaded not guilty to murder, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office officials said Friday.
Anthony Moreno, 38, was charged on April 25 with one count of murder and possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the death of Dawn McEveety.
The victim was apparently shot to death at a residence in the 11900 block of 183rd Street in Artesia on Nov. 24, 2015.
Her body was found five days later “entombed in a large container” in the trunk of a stolen car parked in an incorporated area of Whittier, officials said.
Moreno, who is described as a documented gang member, is also being charged with a special allegation that the killing was committed for the benefit of a gang, according to the DA’s office.
The criminal complaint alleges that Moreno intentionally shot a rifle, which caused McEveety’s death.
Moreno was previously convicted of driving a stolen vehicle and various firearm charges, officials said.
He is scheduled to return to court on July 13 for a preliminary hearing. Moreno faces a maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.