Suspects in Rape
Case Plead Not Guilty

Three men who were arrested in connection with the rape of a lesbian in Richmond, Calif., have pleaded not guilty to the four charges they face in court.

Humberto Hernandez Salvador, 31; Josue Gonzalez, 21; and 16-year-old Darrell Hodges are likely to stay in jail until a judge decides whether there is enough evidence to put them on trial, according to the Associated Press. The three have been charged with kidnapping to commit rape, carjacking, gang rape, and sodomy in connection with the December 13 incident. The kidnapping charge leads to an automatic life sentence if convicted, according to the Contra Costa Times.

Salvador also pleaded not guilty on hate-crime charges. Hodges will be tried as an adult, while a 15-year-old who was charged in the attack will be prosecuted in juvenile court. His name has not been released.

Contra Costa County superior court judge Joni Hiramoto ordered the men to return to court on March 5 to set a preliminary hearing date. (Michelle Garcia, Advocate.com)