Suspect Pleads Innocent in Klaas Killing

SANTA ROSA, Calif. — The man accused of kidnaping and murdering 12-year-old Polly Klaas pleaded innocent Tuesday to all charges.

Richard Allen Davis appeared in Sonoma County Municipal Court to answer to eight felony counts, including accusations he kidnaped the girl Oct. 1 and killed her. Authorities found Polly’s body Dec. 4 in a wooded area off California 101 near Cloverdale.

Judge Robert Dale set a Jan. 21 court date to schedule a preliminary hearing.

If convicted, Davis, could face the death penalty.

The judge did not address the question of a possible change in venue, although Davis’ attorney, Public Defender Barry Collins, said after the hearing that he “expects that (a request) might be made.”