CHULA VISTA, Calif. — A 44-year-old man accused of murdering his ex-wife pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Wednesday afternoon.
German Luna Salazar has been charged with First Degree Murder in the death of 32-year-old Leyva Elizabeth Oregel Garcia.
Salazar spent weeks on the run until his arrest Saturday at the San Ysidro Point of Entry.
According to investigators, Oregel Garcia, who lived in Guadalupe, was found about 12:25 a.m. July 4 inside an SUV parked in a lot in the 4400 block of Camino De La Plaza in San Ysidro.
The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office determined her death was homicide by strangulation and that she suffered blunt force trauma to her upper body.
According to police, Salazar was seen walking away from the area where his wife's body was found.
The victim was reported missing from Guadalupe on July 2.
"Detectives have learned this case appears to be a tragic case of domestic violence,'' Lt. Steve Shebloski said.
Salazar is being held without bail. He is due back in court in October.