Pomona man pleads not guilty to murdering his grandmother

A 20-year-old Pomona man pleaded not guilty this week to charges that he murdered his grandmother last month.

Arturo Hernandez is accused of killing Luisa Aguilar Ventura, 58, also of Pomona. He pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Barstow Superior court, and is set to next appear in court Tuesday.

Ventura and Hernandez set off from Las Vegas in Ventura's truck on Nov. 16 after visiting family members. They never arrived home in Pomona.

Ventura's body was discovered by a truck driver in a remote area of the desert on Excelsior Mine Road, near the Cima Road off-ramp of the 15 Freeway, said San Bernardino County sheriff's investigators.

Ventura's 2002 silver Toyota Tacoma was found abandoned behind the Barstow Mall.

Hernandez was arrested Nov. 27 after family members spotted him at a bus stop in Rosemead.

He remains jailed in lieu of $1 million bail.

In addition to murder charges, Hernandez faces allegations of committing a serious felony with a prior conviction, and a strike allegation. The allegations could lead to a longer prison term if he is convicted.

An autopsy to determine how Ventura died was inconclusive. No motive has been offered.

Anyone who may have seen or spoken with Hernandez or Ventura between Nov. 16 and Nov. 25 is asked to call Detective Robert Warrick or Sgt. Tony Dececio at (909) 387-3589 or (909) 387-8313.

Staff writer Stacia Glenn contributed to this report.