SAN LEANDRO, Calif. (KGO) -- A suspect arrested for a hit-and-run that killed a teenage boy stumbled around during his first court appearance on Tuesday.
San Lorenzo resident Sonny Anderson, 34, is being described as lifelong criminal. In fact, his criminal history is so bad some wonder why he was on the streets at all.
Anderson is being charged with the murder of 14-year-old Ivan Cruz, who was on his scooter in a crosswalk when he was run down.
Anderson ducked and hid his face from view as he walked into a Hayward courtroom. It appears this time he realizes if he's sent back to prison, he may never come out.
Anderson stood against a wall and did not speak, except to tell the judge he would like a public defender.
The convicted felon has been in court many times before. He has a wrap sheet that goes back to 1999 when Anderson was charged with slashing and killing animals at the Kennedy Park Petting Zoo.
Former Kennedy Park Petting Zoo caretaker Keith Faber says he's well aware of the charges against Anderson. "It didn't surprise me, this person has been not reprimanded or really severely punished for the things that he's done and that's what happens they escalate and escalate," he said.
Besides animal cruelty, his prior convictions include, car theft, attacking a 74-year-old elderly woman in her home in 2009,receiving stolen property and burglary.
"Certainly you have a guy who is a recidivist. He's committed cruelty to animals, he's done elder abuse where he committed burglary or robbery on an elderly person and then he beats her, but for that he did go to state prison. Now to me that begs the question, why wasn't he given mental health?" Former prosecutor Michael Cardoza said.
He was on felony probation when investigators say he hit and killed Ivan last Tuesday, while the boy rode his scooter in a crosswalk.
"The defendant is facing a possible term of life in prison," Alco Asst. DA Teresa Drenick said.
The judge ordered Anderson held without bail and he's expected back in court Wednesday morning.
Ivan's family would like to invite the community to attend the teen's funeral services on Tuesday Nov. 25 at 9:30 a.m. at Santos-Robinson Mortuary in San Leandro.