The man accused of a high-profile bearing and murder or a Russian Hill socialite from over a year ago is expected in court Tuesday, possibly to accept a plea deal offered by the San Francisco District Attorney’s office.
Gary Scott Holland, 44, was arrested November 5, 2010 in connection with the killing of 46-year-old publicist Kathleen Horan on Oct. 29.
At the time of his arrest, he was found lying in some bushes at Sutro Heights Park, and was on parole after serving a prison sentence for attempted murder in Fresno County.
Police found Horan’s body inside her second-floor apartment at 900 Chestnut St. early the morning of Oct. 30. Investigators believe she was killed at about 7 p.m. the previous evening.
According to prosecutors, Horan was beaten with a pry bar, a construction tool similar to a small crowbar, and stabbed with a knife.
Police said Holland, who was dressed as a utility worker, with a hard hat, utility vest, belt and tool box, somehow gained access to the apartment building and knocked on Horan’s door, telling her he needed to check for a gas leak.
When Holland was charged, then-District Attorney Kamala Harris called Holland “a true predator.”
According to prosecutor Braden Woods, DNA evidence was found at the scene of the murder linking Holland to the crime, and that Holland “made admissions in the case.”
Holland is believed to have suffered an injury to his left hand, possibly from his own knife, as Horan was trying to defend herself, according to Woods.
According to the Ex, Holland is expected to return to court tomorrow, perhaps to “agree to a plea deal,” though “details of the plea deal have not been released.”
Nearly a year ago, Holland pled not guilty to count of murder with the use of a deadly weapon, one count of attempted rape, one count of residential robbery and two counts of residential burglary.
Attached to the murder charge are special-circumstance allegations that would make Holland eligible for the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.
Want more news, sent to your inbox every day? Then how about subscribing to our email newsletter? Here’s why we think you should. Come on, give it a try.
