A Phelan woman pleaded not guilty to a murder charge Tuesday in connection with the death of her elderly landlord, whose remains were found on the suspect’s property days after she was reported missing, authorities said.
Margaret Juliette Minier, 57, also known as Juliette Owle, entered her plea in the Victorville branch of San Bernardino County Superior Court, records show.
She’s accused of killing 72-year-old Mindy Kum of Phelan, who was reported missing on Sept. 2, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Kum’s remains were discovered by homicide investigators on Sept. 4 at Minier’s home in the 6400 block of Smoke Tree Road, sheriff’s officials said at the time. The suspect rented the property from the victim.
The elderly woman was reported missing by worried loved ones two days earlier, officials said. She had last been seen by family in Tustin on Sept. 2. But investigators later traced her last known location about 70 miles northeast in Phelan.
Kum’s manner of death was yet to be released by San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner’s officials.
Minier was being held without bail.
A preliminary hearing in the case was set for Sept. 29.
Anyone with information was urged to contact the Sheriff’s Special Investigations Division, Homicide Detail at (909) 890-4904. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at (800) 782-7463.
Stay informed and connected: Sign up for our alerts to receive the latest updates on important news.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Phelan woman pleads not guilty to murder charge in death of elderly landlord
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
