High School Cheerleader Charged with Assisting in Murder of Homeless Man

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A California high school cheerleader has been charged in connection with the deadly beating and torture of a San Diego homeless man, PEOPLE confirms.

Hailey Suder, 18, pleaded not guilty Monday to two felony counts of being an accessory after the fact, an official with the San Diego district attorney’s office tells PEOPLE.

Suder faces a maximum sentence of 3 years and 8 months in prison if convicted in connection with the death of George Lowery, 50.

Two other young men were also charged. Austin Mostrong, 20, and Preston Mostrong, 19, pleaded not guilty on May 2 to murder and torture charges, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE.

Suder made an emotional court appearance on Monday, allegedly sobbing as she pleaded not guilty,

reports KTLA.

She was allegedly dating one of the two men charged with the murder of Lowery, the outlet reports.

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On April 24, Lowery’s wife found him unconscious near their homeless camp, according to a

GoFundMe page

set up by the family.

“My mother Penny found her husband of 25 years brutally beaten, bloody, tied up, face down and unconscious. Covered up to die. When the ambulances arrived they performed life saving measures he was taken to the hospital in critical condition and was told there was no hope for him surviving,” Katey Torres, Lowery’s daughter, writes on the page.

“My father was a generous man. Although he did not have much he was always giving,” Torres continues. “Anyone he saw that needed help or just needed a smile he’d be there lifting your spirits.”

According to the GoFundMe page, Lowery suffered a stroke and was declared brain dead and died on April 29 after donating his organs. The GoFundMe page has already raised more than $10,000.

On social media, friends of the Santee, California, teen said her actions were out of character. “Knowing Hailey growing up I’m a bit shocked she’d take this road or accommodate in this act. Pretty crazy,” one person

wrote on Facebook

.

Suder will next appear in court on June 29.