POMONA (CNS) - An ex-con accused of killing his 65-year-old mother and 73-year-old stepfather with a baseball bat and attacking his younger brother at their Hacienda Heights home pleaded not guilty today to murder and attempted murder charges.
Nelson Garibay, 44, is charged in the Jan. 11 killings of Ima Garibay and Mario Flores-Romero. He allegedly beat his mother and stepfather after yelling was heard in the back yard, where his stepfather's body was found. His mother's body was found in the garage.
Garibay's 37-year-old brother -- who was also attacked with a baseball bat -- survived, authorities said.
According to the criminal complaint, Garibay was convicted in Los Angeles County in 2017 of assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm.
“The facts in this case are truly disturbing and we will ensure that there is accountability for these senseless killings,'' District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement released in January, shortly after the charges were filed.
Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies were called to the home in the 14400 block of Marwood Street, near Janette Street, about 12:30 p.m. They were met outside by Garibay's brother, who said he had been attacked by the defendant.
Garibay was taken into custody Jan. 21 in the San Diego County community of Otay Mesa and is being held without bail.
He could face up to 57 years to life in state prison if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney's Office.
Copyright 2021, City News Service, Inc.