Christopher Demyen

An Acton man who is accused of murder pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Antelope Valley Superior Court.

Scott Shipley, 56, whom detectives believe shot and killed another Acton man was called at around 10:45 a.m. and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

“The hearing itself took five minutes, if that,” said Deputy District Attorney Tom Trainor.

Trainor characterized Judge Steven Ogden’s demeanor as “matter of fact.”

There was also motion by the defense to reduce bail that was ultimately denied by the judge citing no change in circumstances.

Shipely faces the maximum of a life sentence if convicted.

“(Shipley’s) charged with a single count of murder and there’s also an allegation that he personally discharged a firearm causing great bodily injury or death,” Trainor said.

Shipley allegedly killed Christopher Demyen, 39,  back in May.

There was a verbal altercation on the 1500 block of Eagle Butte Road turned violent, detectives said.

Sheriff’s Station deputies arrested Shipley, who allegedly drew a handgun at some point during the fight and shot the victim once in the chest.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shipely was taken into custody without incident.

In addition to owning Acton Water Co., a local water-delivery company, Demyen also studied law at the Larry H Layton School of Law, said school founder Larry Layton.

“I’ve known him for many years,” Layton said. “He had a review class on the following Sunday, and I had just talked to him the day or two before.”

Shipley remains in custody at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility on $2 million bail.

A preliminary hearing was set for Aug. 5.

– David Mariuz