(KMJ) The Santa Barbara County DA’s office has not decided whether to seek the death penalty in a case that’s drawn the ire of many across the country.
Thursday, 29 year old Victor Martinez pleaded not guilty to murder and special allegations against him including torture in the brutal killing of 64 year old Marilyn Pharis. Martinez is in the US illegally. The Pharis murder is the second case involving an illegal immigrant accused in a killing that’s attained national headlines in recent weeks.
Critics say these cases are prime examples of a broke American immigration system.
The second suspect in the Pharis murder, 20 year old Jose Villagomez, did not enter a plea and had his arraignment continued to next month.
Both men are accused of beating and raping Pharis at her Santa Maria home on July 24.
Santa Maria Police say Pharis fought back against her attackers as she was repeatedly beaten with a hammer to her head and face. She passed away a few days later.
Both Martinez and Villagomez had their bail denied pending further review and will remain in county jail custody.
