FILE - This undated file photo released by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office shows Fabian Durazo. Durazo, a 20-year-old transientk, is accused of fatally stabbing his pregnant Lyft driver, killing the woman and her unborn child before stealing her vehicle. Court officials say Durazo entered not guilty pleas to pleas Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019 to two counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and auto theft. (Maricopa County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)
Republished February 07, 2019 - 12:45 PM
Original Publication Date February 07, 2019 - 11:46 AM
PHOENIX - A transient has pleaded not guilty to killing a pregnant Lyft driver and her fetus in suburban Phoenix while stealing her SUV.
Court officials say 20-year-old Fabian Durazo entered the pleas Thursday to two counts of first-degree murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and auto theft.
Durazo was arrested near Quartzsite, nearly 150 miles (241 kilometres) west of the Tempe parking lot where 39-year-old Kristina Howato was stabbed to death on Jan. 27.
She was in her third trimester of pregnancy.
Police believe Durazo planned to steal her SUV and she was stabbed in a struggle.
Durazo remains jailed in lieu of $1 million bond. His next court hearing is set for March 22.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019