Man accused of killing mom in El Cajon, putting her in trunk enters plea

Richard Anthony Leyva, 24, pleaded not guilty on Friday to murder charges related to the death of his mother, Jamison Webster, aged 51. The incident occurred at a Motel 6 in El Cajon, where surveillance footage captured Leyva dragging his mother's body to the trunk of her Hyundai Sonata. After allegedly killing her, he led police on a chaotic pursuit, which ended in a crash involving several vehicles. Prosecutor Yasmin Bigdeli stated that the investigation into Webster's cause of death is ongoing, highlighting evidence of strangulation. Leyva's brother attempted to locate their mother at the motel and discovered her body in the trunk after Leyva initially prevented him from opening it.

During the police chase, Leyva reportedly drove recklessly, weaving in and out of traffic before colliding with other cars. If convicted, he faces a significant prison term ranging from 28 years to life. Leyva remains in custody without bail, reflecting the serious nature of the charges against him.