Not Guilty Plea Entered in Slaying
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A Ventura man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to murder charges in the shooting of a 23-year-old construction worker outside a popular seaside restaurant.
Jose Basilio Martinez, 19, was arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on charges of murder and special allegations that he used a firearm.
Steven Jenkins of Ventura died Dec. 16, a day after he was shot in the head during a fight over a broken car window outside Juro’ Cho’ Sushi on Seaward Avenue, authorities said.
The argument started when Martinez was confronted by patrons for loud music and erratic driving, authorities said. One of the patrons threw either a bottle or a brick at the car, breaking a window. An hour later, Martinez returned with a gun, authorities said. He allegedly fired a warning shot in the air and then shot Jenkins in the head, authorities said.
Outside the courtroom Wednesday, defense attorney Robert Schwartz called the shooting a tragic accident, but declined to comment on details of the case. Schwartz said Martinez does not have a criminal history.
“He’s never been in any trouble,” he said.
Martinez, who is being held in lieu of $750,000 bail, is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 28.
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