One of the men accused of attacking and sexually assaulting a 64-year-old Santa Maria woman last month pleaded not guilty to murder Thursday morning.
Victor Aureliano Martinez [previously identified by the District Attorney as Martinez Ramirez], 29, had already pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, sexual assault and burglary on July 31, a week after he allegedly attacked Marilyn Pharis in her home in the 900 block of North Dejoy Street. Police said she was strangled, raped, and beaten with a hammer, leaving her with a broken neck and both eye sockets shattered.
Pharis died August 1, and murder charges were filed against Martinez and a second suspect, Jose Fernando Villagomez, on August 7.