Big Bear murder suspect Ronald Michael Hitchcock, 57, had his disposition/reset hearing rescheduled for May 8. He is being held on $1 million bail. (File Photo)
By Michael P. Neufeld
UPDATE – Wednesday, March 27 – 9:52 a.m .
San Bernardino, CA – Murder suspect Ronald Michael Hitchcock’s disposition/reset hearing has been delayed.
Judge R. Glenn Yabuno rescheduled the hearing for 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 8, at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-27.
Court documents do not explain the reason for the continuance but the minutes do indicate Deputy District Attorney Enrique Guerrero made a special appearance for Deputy District Attorney Steve Sanchez.
Hitchcock was present in court and remains in custody on $1 million bail related to the death of Erwin Lake resident, Deborah Ann Crouch, 53, on September 15 of last year.
ORIGINAL STORY
San Bernardino, CA – Big Bear murder suspect Ronald Michael Hitchcock returns to court March 27.
Deborah Ann Crouch (Contributed Photo)
Hitchcock, 57, who is charged with the murder of Erwin Lake resident, Deborah Ann Crouch, 53, will be have a disposition/reset hearing at 8:30 a.m. in San Bernardino County Superior Court Department S-27. He has already entered a not guilty plea to murder and cruelty to another’s animal.
THE CASE
Hitchcock faces the two felony charges after Crouch’s body and that of a dog were retrieved from a submerged car in Big Bear Lake on September 15.
On that date, Sheriff’s deputies from the Big Bear Station responded to the Swim Beach area of Meadow Park about 6 a.m. and made contact with a man — who was inside the fencing at Swim Beach — he explained his vehicle had crashed through the locked front gate and into the lake, according to a media advisory issued by authorities.
Two deputies, members of the department’s dive team, went into Big Bear Lake and found the vehicle, which contained the body of the female victim and a dog.
Homicide detectives were summoned to the scene and following their investigation — which included a search of Crouch’s residence on E Lane — placed Hitchcock under arrest.
IN CUSTODY
Hitchcock remains in custody at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Bail has been established at $1 million.
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