CLEARLAKE – A Clearlake handyman accused of a May 4 homicide pleaded not guilty Friday.

Andre Stevens, 42, made an appearance before Judge Steve Hedstrom in Department 4, according to his attorney, Jason Webster. Deputy District Attorney John Langan is prosecuting the case.

Stevens is being charged in connection with the death of John Rayford McCoy Jr., 42, at a Lakeshore Drive apartment complex.

As Lake County News previously reported, Clearlake Police arrested Stevens for McCoy's murder after they reportedly found him with a knife, covered with blood. McCoy is reported to have identified Stevens as his attacker before he died, according to a Clearlake Police report.

Stevens is facing a murder charge, Webster said, as well as a special allegation of using a dangerous weapon – in this case, the knife.

Webster entered a not guilty plea on the murder count with a denial of the special allegation regarding the knife.

Stevens is scheduled for arraignment on June 11 before Judge Arthur Mann in Lakeport, Webster said.

 

Stevens remains in the Lake County Jail on $1 million bail. 

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