From: Your Central Valley
By: Joe Moeller, 7/03/2017
Fresno County Sheriff’s Detective Jared Mullis plead not guilty Thursday morning to a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter.
Mullis is accused of accidentally killing Sgt. Rod Lucas last October.
He is facing a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter with a gun enhancement.
The court came to an agreement and Mullis is not in custody and is out on his own recognizance.
His attorney says Mullis was shocked when he found out charges were filed.
“He is very nervous this is a bad situation for everybody,” says Mullii’s Attorney Roger Wilson, “what was good today is Mr. Mullis had a ton of people there for support, but also Sgt. Lucas had his family and some other people there for support as well, it is just a bad situation all around. ”
The courtroom was full of family and friends of both Lucas and Mullis.
Sgt. Rod Lucas’ father says the last year has been difficult.
“I am just glad that we are getting this process started it has been a long time and the family needs to get to the closure of it, both families do and I am just leaving it in the lords hand that is all we can do at this point,” says Bubba Lucas.
Right now, Mullis is on paid leave.
His attorney says if he is convicted he could face up to 14 years in prison.
Mullis is due back in court on September 14th.
