Adenhart suspect pleads not guilty

SANTA ANA, Calif., June 8 (UPI) -- A California man pleaded not guilty Monday to charges in connection with the death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and two others.

Andrew Thomas Gallo, 22, of San Gabriel, entered the plea at his arraignment in Santa Ana, Calif. Gallo is charged with three counts of murder, drunk driving and fleeing the scene of an accident, the Los Angeles Times said.

Investigators said Gallo's blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit at the time of the collision that killed Adenhart, 22; Courtney Stewart, 20, of Diamond Bar, Calif.; and Henry Pearson, 25, of Manhattan Beach. Prosecutors said Gallo ran a red light and slammed his minivan into the car the victims were riding in.

Gallo -- whose license was suspended at the time of the crash due to a prior drunk driving conviction -- could be sentenced to 55 years to life in prison if he is convicted, the newspaper said.