Abernathy Held To Answer In Court

San Andreas, Ca — Enough evidence was shown in a Calaveras court Thursday to hold Steven Abernathy of West Point to answer in Superior Court for the shooting of Shana Sakata in March.

Abernathy says the shooting was an accident.

According to his attorney, Abernathy and Sakata are friends. He says Abernathy had just come back from target practice and had his 22 rifle in his truck. So when later that night someone´s car banged into his closed and locked gate, Abernathy grabbed his gun and fired a warning shot.

That shot hit Sakata, who was in the car, in the cheek.

Abernathy is charged with unlawful assault with a firearm, destroying or concealing evidence and dissuading a witness.

Deputies allege that Abernathy asked Sakata not to give the bullet to authorities.

An arraignment will be held at 9 a.m., May 1 in Department 1A. Further proceedings will be set then.

Abernathy remains in the Calaveras County Jail on $340,000 bail.

Written by Vanessa Turner.