A Gainesville homeless man accused of killing another homeless man and assaulting others pleaded not guilty at a Thursday arraignment.
David William Keener, 50, is accused of beating Randall Huling’s head against a guardrail Aug. 14. Gainesville police found the victim, who died from his injuries Sept. 3 after being transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, police said. Huling’s brain was rendered useless, according to the Sept. 23 indictment.
Keener, who also goes by the name “Super Dave,” was living near Atlanta Highway and Pearl Nix Parkway, according to a Gainesville police report.
Keener has been charged with two counts of felony murder, four counts of aggravated battery and three counts of aggravated assault in suspicion for three assaults.
On Jan. 11, 2013, Keener allegedly punched Ricky Eugene Blocker, 53, in the face and “seriously disfiguring his body,” according to the indictment.
Steven Edward Yearwood, a believed third victim, was hit with a branch and kicked with a steel-toed boot, according to the indictment. Keener also allegedly stitched Yearwood’s ear with a sewing needle Aug. 4.
Yearwood “suffered a large gash to his forehead and his right ear was cut in half,” according to a Gainesville police report.
Keener remains incarcerated in the Hall County Jail.