Trusted Neighbor Pleads Not Guilty in Woman’s Hammer Death

Family and friends of Jean Eskridge erupted into sobs in an El Cajon courtroom Friday as a prosecutor told the judge that her neighbor, Gary Allen Thomas, bludgeoned the 94-year-old Ramona woman to death as she slept May 1, using a hammer from Eskridge’s kitchen.

Thomas had spent the night in the guest room of her home as a trusted friend, Deputy District Attorney David Williams III told the court during the arraignment before Judge Charles W. Ervin.

Thomas pleaded not guilty on a charge of first-degree murder. His bail was set at $3.5 million.

“This defendant’s willingness to use a position of trust to attack and kill the victim in this case demonstrates how dangerous he is to the community,” Williams said.

For the rest of the story, see Ramona Patch.