Dos Palos man pleads not guilty in slaying of teenager

A suspected gang member from Dos Palos has pleaded not guilty in the slaying last month of a teenager, according to Merced Superior Court records.

Sysco L. Lopez, 20, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and street-gang participation in the death of Luis David Leon.

Leon, 17, was shot and killed Feb. 15 in a parking lot near Leonard Avenue and Palo Alto Street in Dos Palos, the Police Department reported.

Police Chief Barry Mann has said Lopez also tried to kill another man who was with Leon during the incident.

Police have not commented on any possible motives in the case but have said Lopez and Leon were known to have gang ties in the city.

Lopez entered his plea Wednesday before Judge Harry Jacobs in Merced Superior Court in Los Banos.

He is due back in court April 15 for further proceedings. Lopez remains in custody without bail at the Merced County Jail.

This story was originally published March 23, 2015 at 11:42 AM with the headline "Dos Palos man pleads not guilty in slaying of teenager."