Agent's Accused Killer Goes to Court
Saturday, Feb 13, 2010 | Updated 9:16 AM PDT
Jesus Navarro-Montes is accused of killing Luis Aguilar.
A Mexican man accused of killing a Border Patrol agent by running him over with a drug-loaded Hummer has pleaded not guilty.
Jesus Navarro Montes was arraigned Friday afternoon in federal court on charges of second-degree murder, possession of marijuana and conspiracy. He was ordered held without bail and could face 40 years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors say Navarro intentionally struck 32-year-old Luis Aguilar in January 2008 at the Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area.
Authorities say the Border Patrol was chasing Navarro's marijuana-filled Hummer and the agent was killed as he lay down a spike strip to stop him.
Navarro fled to Mexico and was extradited last month.
Three months before the killing, prosecutors say, Navarro was detained but escaped in a Border Patrol vehicle.
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