Bail was set at $2 million Aug. 7 for a 19-year-old man suspected of chasing a man and fatally stabbing him to death at an Eastlake townhome complex.
Saul Johnathan Orozco pleaded not guilty before Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Patricia Garcia to the murder of Carlos Gutierrez, believed to be around 18 years old.
Chula Vista homicide detectives investigated the Aug. 4 stabbing after answering a radio call at 5:44 p.m. in the 2800 block of Cielo Circulo. The victim had been chased and was found dead from stab wounds at a nearby house. Others saw a man running from the crime scene while covered with blood.
Deputy District Attorney Kristi Hein said Monday she argued for the $2 million bail, saying Orozco fled the scene and ran a quarter of a mile away before he was arrested. Hein said the case is still being investigated and nothing was said about a motive or other details in court.
A status conference was set for Aug. 17 and a preliminary hearing will be set on that day.
Orozco remains in the central jail.
