Judge orders trial in hammer killing case

EL CAJON, Calif., Nov. 29 (UPI) -- A judge in California has ordered a trial for a man charged with beating a woman to death with a hammer.

Richard Steven Carson allegedly killed Brittany Hart at his home in Spring Valley, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported. Her body was found in a recycling bin in Cleveland National Forest three weeks after she disappeared.

Carson's lawyer said his client admits killing Hart but denies it was planned. Stacy Gulley, a deputy public defender, suggested it might have been self defense.

After a two-day hearing in El Cajon Superior Court Judge Allen Preckel found there was enough evidence to try Carson for murder, attempted rape and possession of methamphetamine. He ordered a scheduling hearing Dec. 12.

Deputy District Attorney John Rice said Hart went to Carson's house because he had advertised online for models for a clothing business he was starting.