VAN NUYS : No Felony Charges to Be Filed in Panhandler’s Death
A Van Nuys man will not face felony charges after fatally shooting a panhandler last month, but prosecutors are still unsure whether to charge Charles Hoyle, 25, with a misdemeanor count of carrying a loaded weapon in public.
Hoyle killed Reggie Brian MacKay, 25, at a Van Nuys gas station last month after the two argued over Hoyle’s refusal to give money to one of MacKay’s friends, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Larry Diamond.
Because of conflicting witness statements, some of which corroborated Hoyle’s account that MacKay was armed with a knife or a screwdriver, prosecutors said they lacked evidence to charge Hoyle with manslaughter or another felony.
Prosecutors said the fact that Hoyle shot Michael Leon Beaman in the foot six years ago had no bearing on their decision. Hoyle also claimed self-defense in that case, saying Beaman tried to force his way into Hoyle’s house. No criminal charges were filed in that case. Beaman contended that he knocked on Hoyle’s door by mistake, and he received a settlement from Hoyle’s homeowner’s insurance carrier.
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