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Yuma man accused of killing an elderly couple pleads not guilty

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A Yuma man accused of killing an elderly couple in their home is back in court and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Romeo Jay Arellano, 19, has been formally charged with six felony counts, including the murders of 82-year-old Manuel Marquez and 79-year-old Patricia Marquez.

Other charges include second-degree theft, theft of a vehicle, theft of another person's identity and theft of a credit card.

It was revealed in court earlier this month that two suspects were stabbed to death at a home at the intersection of Chico Lane and Avenue B.

Police initially responded to a report of a possible burglary and two missing people on Wednesday, May 1st.

However, once inside the home, officers searched the premises and discovered the missing man and woman murdered inside the home.

According to court documents, the murders occurred sometime between April 26th and 27th, at least five days before police discovered the body.

Arellano is scheduled to appear in court again in June and is currently being held on $1 million cash bail.

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