SANTA ANA, Calif. (CNS) - A 39-year-old Long Beach man was charged Friday with murder in the killing of a bicyclist in Dana Point.
Vanroy Evan Smith also faces a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in the jail courtroom in Santa Ana and a pretrial hearing was scheduled for Feb. 14 in the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.
Smith is accused of killing Dr. Michael John Mammone, 58, about 3 p.m. Wednesday at Pacific Coast Highway and Crown Valley Parkway.
Orange County sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the corner for a traffic collision and assault.
The victim was riding a bicycle north on PCH when Smith struck him from behind and then got out and stabbed the bicyclist, sheriff's deputies alleged. Bystanders detained Smith until deputies arrived.
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Mammone died at a hospital, the sheriff's department reported. Mammone was an emergency medicine doctor affiliated with hospitals including Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach.
Sheriff's investigators say there does not appear to be any connection between Mammone and Smith.
Smith could face up to 26 years to life in prison if convicted at trial.
According to Providence, Mammone was on staff at Mission Hospital since 2011.
"We are stunned by this devastating tragedy," according to a hospital statement. "The entire Mission Hospital family is grieving over the loss of an incredible physician and friend. We will honor Dr. Mammone's dedication to our community and passion for medicine by continuing to provide exceptional care."
