Suspect in 1987 Bar Killing Arraigned
A man accused of fatally shooting a National City bartender in front of a roomful of patrons pleaded not guilty on one count of murder Friday in San Diego Superior Court.
Jesus Covarrubias Campos, 31, was asked to leave La Mission Bar in National City the night of Aug. 8, 1987, by Jorge Reyes, a 21-year-old bartender who allegedly saw Covarrubias using cocaine in the bar’s restroom.
In front of other patrons, Covarrubias reportedly argued with Reyes before leaving. He returned about 11:30 p.m. the same night and began arguing with Reyes again. Then, in front of about 150 people who were eating and dancing, Covarrubias allegedly pulled out a semiautomatic handgun and fired at least seven times, striking Reyes four times in the chest and leg.
Covarrubias reportedly fled and, about a week later, witnesses identified him as being the assailant. He was arrested Thursday in Los Angeles.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 6. Covarrubias is in County Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail.
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