CLEVELAND — The man accused of killing 94-year-old Eucebia Garcia made his first court appearance in the case Thursday morning where a judge set bond at $1 million.
25-year-old Cornelius Pames Jr., who was arrested for the crime last December, faces multiple charges including aggravated murder and aggravated robbery in the break-in that left Eucebia Garcia dead.
He pleaded not guilty, and a pre-trial hearing was set for Feb. 11 at 9 a.m.
"Eucebia was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother," O’Malley said in a statement. "We will hold Pames accountable for his horrific actions."
According to County Prosecutor Michael C. O'Malley, the death penalty is being considered.
Authorities say both Garcia and her daughter Marina were visiting from Honduras when Pames allegedly broke into the Gertrude Ave. home around 1:45 a.m. back on Sept. 17. Prosecutors claim Pames assaulted both women while they slept before stealing valuables and fleeing the scene. Eucebia Garcia later died at MetroHealth Medical Center, while Marina Garcia survived her injuries.
Pames also faces charges of murder, aggravated burglary, kidnapping, felonious assault and attempted murder.