Man Pleads Not Guilty To Girlfriend's Slaying In San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA — A man arrested at a City Heights home last week for allegedly killing his girlfriend pleaded not guilty Monday to murder, attempted murder and domestic violence charges.

Nery Roberto Garcia, 35, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of killing 48-year-old Faviola Calderon, who had been reported missing earlier in the day after failing to show up for work, according to San Diego police.

SDPD Sgt. Joel Tien said that as part of the missing person's investigation, police learned she was in a relationship with Garcia.

Detectives soon classified Calderon's disappearance as suspicious and identified Garcia as a suspect in the case, Tien said.

Garcia was arrested Thursday at a home at 2300 Sumac Drive, Tien said.

Investigators subsequently found a body they believe is Calderon's, though further details about the case, including where the body was located and how the victim appeared to have died, were not disclosed.

No new details were shared during Garcia's brief arraignment Monday, however, the criminal complaint filed against him alleges the killing took place on July 28, one day before Calderon was reported missing.

Garcia is also charged with attempted murder for an incident that allegedly happened on June 1 and a misdemeanor domestic violence count for a May 6, 2020, incident. Calderon is listed as the victim in all three counts.

Garcia remained in custody without bail.

— City News Service