Man denies killing Costa Mesa woman

A Garden Grove man pleaded not guilty Friday to killing a Costa Mesa woman and her co-worker in Stanton last year.

Hilbert Pineil Thomas, 39, was indicted last week on two counts of murder related to the mysterious killing of two people at the Golden Sun Homes trailer park in Stanton Feb. 2, 2009.

For months authorities could not find a motive for the crimes or the car of Elizabeth Ann Palmer, a Costa Mesa resident, who was a secretary there. She and Francis Scott, the business owner’s son, were shot to death.

In October, police found Palmer’s car at an Anaheim motel and linked it to Thomas.

He also faces a murder during a robbery enhancement, meaning if convicted, he could be sentenced to life without parole.

He is also eligible for the death penalty.

Thomas is due back in court for a pre-trial May 21.

— Joseph Serna