A gas station owner accused in a home explosion that killed one of his workers appeared before a judge in El Cajon Monday afternoon.
Poway resident James Kurtenbach is facing charges of murder, insurance fraud and arson in connection with explosion that destroyed his Ramona home.
Twenty-four-year-old Joseph Nesheiwat died in the blast on Halloween.
County records show Kurtenbach owed more than $16,000 in back taxes.
