Man pleads not guilty in girlfriend’s death

Felton resident Richard Chavez pleaded not guilty in the death of his girlfriend, Deanna Dudley, at his March 18 arraignment in Santa Cruz.
Chavez, 40, has been charged with killing Dudley, 37, during an argument. Police say Chavez bludgeoned Dudley several times in the head at a Rose Acres Lane duplex in Felton on Feb. 28. The couple had moved there two weeks before.
The couple’s housemate returned home at about 8:30 p.m. to find Dudley unconscious and bleeding. Chavez asked the housemate to call 9-1-1, and paramedics rushed Dudley to Dominican Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Investigators would not disclose what weapon Chavez is thought to have used, but it is rumored to be a flashlight. Police also did not say what incited the dispute or whether drugs and alcohol were involved.
According to court records, Chavez has a minor criminal history but no reported history of domestic violence.
Chavez was arrested early March 1 on suspicion of murder and has been held in Santa Cruz County Jail on $770,000 bail.
His next court date is set for July 19.
Dudley is survived by two teenage children, Stuart and Aubrey Newell.