AZTEC, N.M.—A Colorado man accused of killing a woman during a July 4 camping trip near Navajo Dam has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and other charges.
John Hunt, 54, also pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of assault with the intent to commit a violent felony and misdemeanor charges of battery and assault.
He is accused of beating to death Patricia Pacheco, 56, of Ignacio, Colo., while the two shared a campsite near Navajo Dam over the Independence Day holiday.
State District Judge Thomas Hynes left Hunt’s bond set at $100,000.
A group of campers from Durango, Colo., became alarmed early the morning of July 4 when a woman who was sleeping in her car awoke to find Hunt opening her door and trying to pull her out.
According to court documents, the campers confronted Hunt, who had blood smeared on his forehead. He threatened to fight them before running into the bushes.
The campers discovered Pacheco’s body while searching for Hunt, then found and detained him until deputies and park rangers arrived.
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Information from: The Daily Times,
