A Tempe man accused of killing a homeless man will appear in court today to be arraigned.
Ernie Ortega, who is charged with second-degree murder for the death of 25-year-old Uriah Laskowsky, will appear before Commissioner Carl Eckert at the Superior Court of Maricopa County.
Laskowsky was found murdered Feb. 15 in a parking lot in the 1400 block of South Jentilly Lane. Police later apprehended Ortega, 25, after evidence led officers to his Spence Avenue residence.
Ortega could not be reached for comment.
Laskowsky had appeared at the Faces of Homelessness panel held by the ASU Community Service Center last semester.
An arraignment is the formal beginning to a trial. The court will formally state which charges are being brought against Ortega and will establish the next court date.
Reach the reporter at lindsey.holder@asu.edu
