A 70-year-old man accused of using a shotgun to shoot two men — killing one and seriously injuring another — in Fallbrook earlier this week pleaded not guilty in Vista Superior Court on Thursday.
Michael Anthony Burke, a Fallbrook resident, is accused of fatally shooting Martin Lucas and seriously wounding Julio Leon on East Mission Road, just west of Old Highway 395, shortly after 8 p.m. Monday, sheriff’s homicide Lt. Juan Marquez said.
He was charged Thursday with murder, attempted murder and discharging a weapon into a motor vehicle. Each charge carries an allegation of unlawfully discharging a firearm causing injury or death.
He faces a maximum sentence of 75 years to life if sentenced as charged, said Deputy District Attorney Mark Bosch. Burke is being held without the possibility of bail.
“This case is very tragic given the loss of life that occurred,” Bosch said following the arraignment Thursday. “It’s incredibly sad, and the District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to seeking justice for the victims of this case.”
Michael Burke pleads not guilty in Vista Superior Court Thursday. (Spencer Thornburg /Fox 5 San Diego via pool)
Burke’s defense attorney declined to comment following the hearing.
The courtroom was filled Thursday with the friends and family of the two men who were shot, many of whom were wearing black in honor of Lucas. Burke was seen standing in a holding cell off to the side of the gallery listening to his lawyer as the brief hearing proceeded.
Bosch did not disclose much of what is known about the case during or after Burke’s initial court appearance.
Investigators previously said that on the night of the shooting, deputies responded to an assault with a deadly weapon report and found two men suffering from traumatic gunshot wounds.
Lucas died at the scene, and Leon was hospitalized and later released.
Detectives said Burke did not previously know the two men, but the shooting stemmed from an argument on the road.
Investigators said they do not believe the incident involved road rage and said the shooting is still under investigation.