Convicted Felon Denies Killing Girlfriend In Their Anza Home

ANZA, CA — A convicted felon accused of killing his 58-year-old girlfriend during a confrontation in their Anza home pleaded not guilty Monday to murder and other felony charges.

Trent Allen Lightfoot, 50, was arrested following the alleged June 7 confrontation that took the life of Cherie Mae Lanzisera in the 56000 block of Mitchell Road, just north of Highway 371.

Along with the murder count, Lightfoot is charged with domestic assault, being a felon in possession of a firearm and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.

He was arraigned before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Stephen Gallon, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for Aug. 26 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. The defendant is being held in lieu of $2 million bail at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside.

According to sheriff's Sgt. Rick Espinoza, Lightfoot allegedly shot Lanzisera in their residence during the predawn hours. Deputies were summoned a short time later, and they found the victim dead at the scene. The defendant was taken into custody without incident.

According to court records, Lightfoot has prior convictions for domestic abuse — not involving Lanzisera — and driving under the influence.