Crime & Safety

Deputy Accused in Bar Killing Makes Court Appearance

A Riverside County Sheriff' Deputy who was off-duty when he allegedly shot and killed a man Dec. 21 in Spelly's Pub & Grille in Murrieta appeared in court Friday with an injured hand.

With a hand injury suffered in jail, accused killer and former Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy Dayle Long appeared in court today.

The court appearance was to set a date for a preliminary hearing for Long, who pleaded not guilty in the in Murrieta.

The hearing was set for March 5 and is expected to take four hours.

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Long's deputy public defender, Jeff Zimel, asked that an MRI be ordered for Long's hand.

Judge Timothy Freer consented that Long's hand be medically assessed.

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Long, 42, a Corona resident, was a 10-year veteran of the sheriff's department, most recently employed as a sheriff's bailiff in a Riverside courtroom.

He was off-duty the night he was in Spelly's and allegedly shot , who witnesses called a in an argument that had broken out.

Long remains jailed in lieu of $1 million bail.

The deputy will likely face 50 years to life if convicted, according to John Hall of the District Attorney's Office.

Mirna Alfonso contributed to this report.


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