Man Pleads Not Guilty in Trousdale Estates Stabbing

Scott Joseph Barker, 23, pleaded not guilty to murder Monday in the stabbing death of his girlfriend's former boyfriend, according to wire reports.

Barker's girlfriend, Chie Alexandra Coggins Johnson, 20, pleaded not guilty Friday in the death of Katsutoshi Tony Takazato, 21.

Takazato was found dead about 6 a.m. July 20 outside his home on the 1800 block of Carla Ridge. The criminal complaint alleges Barker used a knife during the commission of the crime. L.A. County Coroner Ed Winter described the murder scene as "very bloody."

Johnson had dated the victim until recently, when she began dating Barker, who allegedly became enraged when he learned that Johnson may have been physically abused by Takazato, according to Deputy District Attorney Danette Meyers.

Johnson and Barker are due back in court Aug. 26 and face up to life in prison if convicted, according to the L.A. County District Attorney's Office.

This report was compiled with information from City News Service.