Not-guilty plea in brother's killing

The Corning man accused of voluntary manslaughter in the death of his 40-year-old brother pleaded not guilty in Tehama County Superior Court on Tuesday.

Clifford Manuel Palmer, 46, was arrested on Nov. 27 following the death of this brother, Fermin Mitch Alberro, who died after the two men were in a physical altercation at their 23132 Flournoy Ave. residence.

Palmer remains in Tehama County Jail on $60,000 bail. His initial bail amount of $1 million was reduced during a recent court hearing.

Tehama County Deputy Coroner Chris Sharp said an autopsy was conducted on Alberro on Thursday, but the cause of death is undetermined pending further testing.

The Sheriff's Department responded to the brothers' residence at 5:45 p.m. after Palmer called 911 reporting Alberro was unconscious and unresponsive, said sheriff's Lt. Donald Thomas.

Deputies found Alberro lying in the entry way of the residence unconscious and not breathing, Thomas said.

Clifford was placed in a patrol vehicle, and the deputy, police officers and rescue personnel conducted life-saving efforts on Alberro, who was declared dead at the scene, reported the Sheriff's Department.

Thomas said Palmer admitted that the two men had been consuming alcohol throughout the day and began arguing.

"Palmer said the argument turned into a physical fight and that he used his fist to strike (Alberro) in the face, and that his brother then fell to the floor unconscious," Thomas said.

According to court documents the two men have a history of domestic violence.

Palmer's next court dates are Jan. 7 for a settlement conference and Jan. 8 for preliminary hearing.