Man Accused of Shooting Ex-Wife Pleads Not Guilty

Justin Meltzer was arraigned from a hospital bed

By Matt Lewis

| Thursday, Dec 29, 2011 | Updated 5:08 PM PDT

A 42-year-old man accused of shooting his ex-wife to death in Alpine last week pleaded not guilty on Thursday when he was arraigned in his hospital bed.

Justin Meltzer was taken into custody Friday night following a SWAT standoff at a home on Larkspur Drive.

Police say Meltzer is suspected of shooting and killing his former wife, 40-year-old Deborah Meltzer.

Meltzer was arraigned from a hospital bed after undergoing surgery from being shot in the leg during the incident.

He faces murder chargers and assault with a deadly weapon. He is currently set on a $2 million bail.
If convicted, he faces 61 years to life in prison. His next court date is Jan. 6, but will likely be delayed.

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