Yuma man accused of killing an elderly couple pleads not guilty

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma man accused of killing an elderly couple inside their home returned to court and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

19-year-old Romeo Jay Arellano was formally charged with six felonies including the murders of 82-year-old Manuel Marquez and 79-year-old Patricia Marquez.

Some of his other charges are burglary in the second degree, theft of means of transportation, taking the identity of another person, and theft of credit card.

Earlier this month in court it was revealed that both suspects were stabbed to death in the home on Chico Lane and Avenue B.

Deputies had originally responded to a possible burglary and report of two missing people on Wednesday, May 1.

But once inside the home, deputies searched the property and found the missing man and woman killed inside.

According to court documents, the murders happened between April 26 and 27, at least five days before deputies found the bodies.

Arellano is scheduled to be back in court in June and is currently being held on a $1 million cash-only bond.