Courtroom Roundup: Lake Charles man pleads not guilty to attempted murder

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Thomas Demond Plumber. (Source: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office)

Damien Jermaine Royster. (Source: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office)

Santana Shameka Thomas. (Source: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office)

Tiffany Thomas. (Source: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office)

LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - A 22-year-old Lake Charles man has pleaded not guilty to attempted first-degree murder in connection with a December shooting.

Thomas Demond Plumber entered the plea on Monday.

Plumber and Damien Jermaine Royster were indicted in March on the charges. Royster's arraignment was reset for April 14 so his attorney could be present.

At the time of their arrest, Deputy Chief Mark Kraus said the 22-year-old Royster and Plumber attempted to rob a man at a home.

"The victim, who suffered several gunshot wounds, said he was home alone when (the) subjects knocked at his back door," Kraus said. "Once he opened the door, the suspects pushed their way in and began to batter him in an attempt to rob him. The victim said he was able to fight them off and one of them shot several rounds while exiting."

Plumber's case management conference is set for Aug. 7.

Also on Monday, two Lake Charles women pleaded not guilty to attempted purse snatching.

Santana Shameka Thomas, 20, and Tiffany S. Thomas, 21, were arrested Feb. 1 in connection with a string of attempted purse snatchings at local businesses.

Two female juveniles -- a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old -- were also arrested and charged with attempted purse snatching and cruelty to the infirmed.

Authorities said one of the victims reported she was approached by a young woman who sprayed her with what is believed to be a form of mace. The suspect then attempted to steal the victim's purse. A second victim, who sustained moderate injuries, told authorities she was knocked down by a young woman who attempted to steal her purse.

Santana Thomas was originally charged with two counts of attempted purse snatching, accessory after the fact to cruelty to the infirmed and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

Tiffany Thomas was originally charged with one count of attempted purse snatching, accessory after the fact to cruelty to the infirmed and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile.

The trial date for both women has been set for Sept. 29.