Twenty-five-year-old Johnny Chenda pleaded not guilty to charges against him stemming from his alleged role in Monday’s fatal robbery of an Eastlake Apple store.
Chenda is being charged with attempted murder, robbery and burglary, assault with a deadly weapon and felon in possession of a firearm.
Deputy District Attorney Carlos Varela said if Chenda is found guilty of all charges he could face more than 50 years in prison.
Another suspect who was killed following a shootout with an Apple store security guard at the Otay Ranch Town Center has been identified as Alex Somphonh Choulamontry.
Choulamontry, 23, was one of two suspects who attempted to rob the store early Monday morning and is a parolee and documented gang member, Chula Vista police said Tuesday.
Choulamontry also had prior convictions for theft, drug possession, DUI and false identification to a police officer, authorities said.
After smashing the glass front door, Choulamontry and Chenda were confronted by plainclothes security guard Jose Jimenez, 58, who was in the back of the store with the Apple store manager.
Police said at least one of the suspects pulled a gun on Jimenez almost immediately upon entering the store. They did not say who fired first.
The suspects ran to their vehicle outside the store and entered a silver Acura, which was occupied by Melissa Ortiz.
Choulamontry drove away from the scene and collided with a light post and other objects after being fired upon by Jimenez.
According to Chula Vista Police Capt. Gary Ficacci, Choulamontry was struck by gunfire and died during his attempt to flee from the scene.
Chenda and Ortiz fled from the Acura after the collision and hid nearby. They were apprehended by law enforcement a short time later.
