A 75-year-old man accused of fatally shooting his wife in their home pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.
George Matsumoto (date of birth Feb. 5, 1940) of San Pedro has been charged with one count of murder in Case NA101099.
The charging document includes a special allegation that the defendant personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, which caused great bodily injury and death.
Deputy District Attorney Kelly Kelley, who is prosecuting the case, said a family member contacted police on Jan. 14 and requested a welfare check for Mary Matsumoto, 72, who had not been heard from for several days.
When authorities arrived at the victim’s home, they found the defendant inside the location along with Mary Matsumoto’s body, the prosecutor said.
Following the discovery, police arrested George Matsumoto in connection with his wife’s death. He currently remains in custody on $2 million bail.
The defendant is scheduled to return to court on March 4 for a pre-hearing conference at the Los Angeles County Superior Court in Long Beach, Department S01.
If convicted as charged, he faces a possible maximum sentence of 50 years to life in state prison.
The case is being investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, Harbor Division.