Man accused of near-fatal Chula Vista transient beating pleads not guilty

CHULA VISTA (CNS) – A man accused in the near-fatal beating of a 50-year-old transient in Chula Vista pleaded not guilty Monday to attempted murder, assault and mayhem charges.

Jeffrey Woodfork, 37, was ordered held on $250,000 bail.

Woodfork was arrested last Thursday in connection with the July 12 beating at a mobile home park on Broadway near F Street. Police said the attack left the victim with permanent brain damage.

Woodfork’s girlfriend, Tanay Jackson, and the victim’s adult son – who allegedly stood by and watched – were also arrested but have not been charged in the case, said Deputy District Attorney Christopher Chandler.

A readiness conference was set for July 29 and a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 31.

Woodfork faces 12 years in state prison if convicted, according to the prosecutor.