Two Cousins Plead Not Guilty to 1997 Murder

Two cousins pleaded not guilty today to special circumstances murder charges for the fatal stabbing of a 22-year-old man in unincorporated Hayward in 1997. Luis Colon, 44, and Tito Colon, 38, are scheduled to return to Alameda County Superior Court on Oct. 13 for a preliminary hearing, which will determine if there’s enough evidence against them to stand trial.

The Colon cousins are charged with murder for the death of Jack Elbert Daniels IV outside Daniels’ home on Sunset Boulevard in unincorporated Hayward early the morning of Feb. 28, 1997, as well as attempted murder for stabbing Tajma Hickerson, who survived. They also face two allegations that they committed the murder during the course of a burglary and two allegations that they committed the murder during the course of a robbery.

In addition, prosecutors allege that Luis Colon was convicted of forcible rape in 1989, which could increase his prison term if he’s convicted. The two men are being held without bail at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. They were scheduled to be arraigned at the Wiley Manuel Courthouse in Oakland this afternoon.

By Bay City News

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