Ronald Michael Hitchcock, accused of the 2012 murder of Deborah Ann Crouch, has a disposition/reset hearing set for 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12.. (File Photo)
By G.T. Houts
San Bernardino, CA – Big Bear murder suspect Ronald Michael Hitchcock, 58, returns to court at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, for a disposition/reset hearing in Department S-27.
Hitchcock, who is charged with the murder of Erwin Lake resident, Deborah Ann Crouch, 53, has entered a not guilty plea to murder and cruelty to another’s animal.
THE CASE
Deborah Ann Crouch (Contributed Photo)
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, 2012.
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 — who 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 is $1 million.
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