Riverside Supermarket Killing
RIVERSIDE (CNS) – A 27-year-old man accused of fatally shooting an acquaintance in front of a Riverside grocery store pleaded not guilty Friday to first-degree murder and other charges.
Edgar Rivera of Moreno Valley was arrested last month following a Riverside Police Department investigation into the slaying of Luis Gonzalez, also 27, of Perris.
Along with murder, Rivera is charged with firearm assault and sentence- enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.
He was arraigned Friday before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Melissa Hale, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for Feb. 13 at the Riverside Hall of Justice.
The defendant is being held in lieu of $2 million bail at the Smith Correctional Facility.
According to Riverside police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback, shortly after 4 p.m. on Oct. 13, Rivera and the victim were involved in an unspecified confrontation in the parking lot of the Stater Bros. at 9225 Magnolia Ave.
During the encounter, Rivera allegedly pulled a handgun and opened fire, mortally wounding Gonzalez, who was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics minutes later, Railsback said.
Railsback confirmed that the two men were acquainted, but detectives were still uncertain about what might have prompted the shooting.
Rivera was taken into custody without incident at the store.
If convicted, he could face 50 years to life in state prison.
The defendant has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.
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