Oscar Rodas stood quietly during his arraignment at the Vista Courthouse Tuesday as his lawyer entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.
The 27-year-old Fallbrook man is accused of murder and discharging a firearm causing bodily harm during the Nov. 1 killing of his former girlfriend Yesenia Becerril.
Becerril, 20, was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on South Vine Street near South Main Avenue in Fallbrook.
Witnesses told NBC 7 after Becerril was shot, she tried to run for help at a nearby 7-Eleven and was shot again.
Becerril's family said the victim dated Rodas for six years and the relationship was toxic.
A recent breakup in the days leading up to the killing may have prompted the shooting, family members said.
Rodas has a criminal history. He was convicted in 2012 for a gang-related offense and was on probation for a 2015 incident where he resisted an officer with force.
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He is being held without bail. His next court date is Dec. 3. If convicted of both charges, he faces 15 years to life in prison.
