The teenage girl accused of killing an Uber driver earlier this week in National City, California pleaded not guilty Friday morning during a court hearing.
The arraignment in juvenile court was held virtually, with the teleconference in English with a translation available for Spanish speakers.
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The 17-year-old suspect denied a murder charge through her attorney.
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The arraignment was procedural, with the suspect's attorney telling the court her client had been advised of her rights and the consequences she could face.
In addition to attorneys and Judge Ana Espana, the suspect's parents and the victim's husband, were also listening in on the teleconference.
The girl is accused of killing 58-year-old Raquel Spohn Wehber, who was dropping off a passenger at Lanoitan Avenue near 18th Street on Tuesday afternoon. Spohn Wehber was stabbed multiple times and died at the scene.
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Witnesses were able to alert officers about a woman seen running from the car. Investigators were able to follow a trail of blood to a nearby mobile home, where the teenage girl was arrested and then booked for suspected murder.
A memorial with flowers, candles and a photograph of Spohn Wehber has been set up at the site. Spohn Wehber, who lived in Tijuana, was a married grandmother and the mother of two daughters.
"It's an outrage, that's what people …," said Beatrice Garcia, who is also an Uber driver and was a friend of Spohn Wehber's. "I mean it wasn't one stab, it was multiple stabs, and I don't know what happened, but whatever happened, she didn't deserve to die that way."
Judge Espana ruled that, given the nature of the allegations, the suspect will remain in juvenile hall. The suspect is due back in court on July 20 for a readiness hearing.
