Man charged with murder in apparent road rage death in West Hollywood

A 48-year-old man accused of killing another man during an apparent road-rage confrontation in a 7-Eleven parking lot in West Hollywood is due back in court next month.

Ramon Casas pleaded not guilty to a murder charge Thursday at the Airport Branch Courthouse, where he is scheduled to return Sept. 19, when a date will be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for him to stand trial.

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Casas is accused in a killing that took place around 12:45 p.m. Tuesday in the 7900 block of Santa Monica Boulevard, near Fairfax Avenue, where responding sheriff's deputies found an unresponsive man on the sidewalk in front of a 7-Eleven.

Paramedics took the man, later identified as 68-year-old Armando Gabriel of Los Angeles, to a hospital, where he died.

Sheriff's officials said Gabriel and Casas, a Bell Gardens resident, were involved in a minor traffic collision in the 7-Eleven parking lot, leading to a physical altercation, during which Casas allegedly assaulted Gabriel and knocked him unconscious.

Casas is being held on $2 million bail. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Anyone with information about the death was urged to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org .

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