Escondido
An Escondido man who has served time in prison for killing his wife pleaded innocent Monday in the shooting death of his girlfriend.
Terrence Ruza, 40, was ordered held without bail by San Diego Municipal Judge Janet Kintner at the request of the prosecutor, Dave Lattuca.
Lattuca argued that Ruza is a danger to the community and a risk for flight.
Ruza was charged Monday with the May 11 killing of Leona Lara, whose body was found inside a 50-gallon drum in a San Diego apartment complex. She had been shot to death.
Ruza served two years in state prison for manslaughter in the 1979 death of his wife, Pam, who was beaten to death with a hammer.
Lattuca said Ruza was originally charged with murder in the 1979 case in Riverside County, but was convicted of manslaughter in a jury trial.
Kintner set a bail review for Thursday and a preliminary hearing for June 7.
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