5 p.m.Alexander Norman Taylor, 26, pleaded not guilty today in the shooting death of 62-year-old Napan George Davis at a Redwood Road senior apartment complex on or about April 22.

Taylor has been charged with one count of murder and special allegations of great bodily harm and intentional discharge of a firearm. If found guilty, Taylor could face 25 years to life in state prison.

Investigators have not released a motive for the killing, but have said Taylor knew Davis since Taylor was 16, according to Napa County Chief Deputy District Attorney Mark Boessenecker, who is prosecuting the case.

“The evidence shows the suspect (Taylor) had made prior threats to the victim,” Boessenecker said. “We do not have a motive, but law enforcement is looking into a number of factors that could shield light on this point.”

Jess Raphael, Taylor's court-appointed attorney told the court that Taylor “is a vulnerable and easily-influenced young man who, prior to this charged offense, sought assistance from the Napa County mental health department for psychiatric issues from which he was suffering."

Boessenecker said Taylor went to Davis’ house with the intent to kill him, while Raphael said Taylor acted out as a result of abuse that Raphael claims Taylor suffered at the hands of Davis, but he did not specify what he meant by abuse.

According to police reports, Taylor told police he shot Davis at least five times. He gave investigators information that led them to the murder weapon that was found in a shed in Napa.

For the full story, see Friday's Register.