Mooney enters plea

A 20-year-old Chico man pleaded not guilty Thursday in connection with the Schellville slaying of his grandfather May 20.
Sean Patrick Mooney is being held at Sonoma County Jail on charges of murder, elder abuse, and possession of a stolen shotgun. His grandfather, 77-year-old Robert Ferris Deming, was killed by a close-range shotgun blast to the back of his head while he was watching television at his Bonneau Road home.
Sheriff’s investigators said Mooney was found at the scene after having called 911 around 9:21 p.m. to report that two suspects had shot his grandfather and fled in a vehicle.
Sonoma County District Attorney spokesperson Donna Edwards said Mooney’s preliminary hearing was set for August 18. He was represented in court by Sonoma County attorney Chris Andrian, who had not yet returned telephone calls by presstime.