Man pleads not guilty for murder of a West Greenwich man
By: News Staff
news@abc6.com
No bail for the man accused in the gruesome beating death of a West Greenwich man.
ABC6 News Anchor Melissa Randall was at the Kent County Superior as Christian Lepore faced a judge Friday morning.
Lepore plead not guilty. He’s accused of brutally beating and killing John O’Neil in the woods near URI’s Alton campus back in May. Police say the two did not know each other and the slaying was a random act of violence.
During the appearance before the judge today family members of the victim were sternly emotional as they came to the arraignment. This is the first arraignment they’ve been to.
An indictment by a grand jury charged Lepore with murder, the assault of police officers who responded to the scene and for cruelty to a state police k-9. Investigators previously said it appeared Lepore was under the influence at the time of the attack. His attorney made arguments for what will likely be an insanity defense.
Joseph Voccala, Lepore defense attorney said, "What I can say at this time is that I think as the case unfolds it will be clear to everyone who observed that Mr. Lepore was insane at the time the offenses are alleged to have been committed."
Lepore’s attorney is unable to elaborate any further, or to say whether his client was getting help.
Lepore is being held without bail until the next court date next month.
John O’Neil’s family respectfully declining to speak with us after court.
© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016
