A Taft man accused of murder tells a judge he’s not guilty.

Michael McClintock entered the not guilty plea to first-degree murder charges last Wednesday after authorities say he stabbed Randy Stark, 63, in the chest in the 300 block of Crystal Street in South Taft in November 2024.

McClintock was arrested in Midland, Texas on January 21, 2025, and was extradited to Kern County on February 15.

He’s being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court March 3.