Parolee Charged In Oakland Boy's Murder Makes Brief Court Appearance
OAKLAND (CBS 5) -- A brief court appearance occurred Friday for a 26-year-old alleged gang member accused in the fatal drive-by shooting of a 3-year-old Oakland boy, while family members maintained the man's innocence.
The case against Lawrence Denard was continued until Aug. 29 in Alameda County Superior Court. He was charged Thursday with murder in the shooting death of Carlos Nava.
The convicted felon and parolee did not enter a plea during Friday's brief court appearance.
Denard is also charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. He could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted.
The boy was killed Monday while he was with his parents outside a pizzeria and grocery store when shots were fired from a car. Denard is alleged to have been the gunman.
Police said the shooting was gang-related as two men who were the intended targets were also wounded.
Denard's family members showed up at court Friday to show support for him. Relatives denied he has any involvement in gang activities and also threatened to sue the Oakland Police Department for false arrest.
KCBS' Holly Quan Reports:
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