Suspect linked to homicide pleads not guilty
A man charged with first degree pre-meditated murder has pleaded not guilty to charges on Monday in front of a Yuma County Superior Court judge.
John Nate Gardea Sr., 50, is also being charged with aggravated assault using a handgun and possession of a weapon charges.
The public defender representing Gardea Sr. requested Judge David M. Haws for a condition of release.
Gardea Sr. who is in custody, was charged for the murder of 42-year-old Edward Rowland Jr., stemming from an incident that happened on 1st Avenue and 9th Street on Friday, June 1 around 3:20 a.m.
Yuma Police said Rowland Jr. was found with gun shot wounds and was transferred to Yuma Regional Medical Center, but died hours later.
Gardea Sr. is expected back in court on June 27, for a conditions of release hearing.
