San Diego Man Pleads Not Guilty for Killing Ex-Wife
San Diego man accused for killing his ex-wife pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justin Meltzer pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault with a semiautomatic weapon for supposedly threatening neighbors with a gun, as well as counts of murder and use of a firearm. Meltzer is looking at 61 years to life in prison if convicted. The accused was arraigned Thursday morning in the hospital after undergoing surgery. The 42-year-old alleged shooter was arrested Friday evening at his home on Larkspur Drive in Alpine. Officers took action following reports of a man pointing a gun to the head of a woman who was identified as 40 year-old Deborah Meltzer. Carlos Campbell, Deputy District Attorney, reported that “a witness heard screaming, heard a fire alarm, approached where he heard it, which was the defendant’s house. [The witness saw the victim near the door of the defendant’s residence; handcuffed with a dog leash attached to handcuffs…She was screaming. She was asking for help. She was saying he has a gun, he’s going to shoot me”.
After an exchange of gunfire, the victim was hauled into the home with the man at which time the defendant was shot in the leg. Campbell also reported that “Sherriff’s deputies did respond, they attempted to save her. They were unsuccessful, firing shots. He then dragged the victim into the house. At that time sheriff’s deputies did hear several rounds. They went inside and found her with I believe seven shots from a 9 mm in her chest”.
Dawn Beebee, Justin Meltzer’s San Diego criminal defense attorney, argued for no bail due to the fact that Meltzer does not have a previous criminal record. Despite her argument, Judge William McGrath set the defendant’s bail at $2 million. The suspected shooter remains in the hospital in recovery under 24-hour surveillance by San Diego County sheriff’s deputies.
Man Accused Of Killing Ex-Wife Pleads Not Guilty, 10news.com, December 29, 2011
Alpine man pleads not guilty to killing ex-wife, fox5sandiego.com, December 29, 2011
If you have been arrested and charged with a crime in San Diego County, trust your case to an experienced San Diego criminal lawyer. Victor A. Orsatti at the San Diego Law Center will explain all of your legal options during a free consultation.
