Accused double-murderer pleads not guilty in Fresno court

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A man accused of killing two people in a May attack appeared in court Thursday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Boshay Ware was wheeled into court and sat shackled as he faced a judge. His face was not shown. Prosecutors say he is responsible for a deadly attack that left two people dead, with their bodies later recovered in a Southwest Fresno canal.

"We acknowledge receipt of (the) criminal complaint, the first amended criminal complaint, (we) waive formal arraignment and reading and advisement of statutory and constitutional rights," defense attorney Curtis Sok said.

Ware pleaded not guilty to the deaths of Georgiana McGhee and Jerome Saldivar.

In a new charging document filed Thursday morning, prosecutors outlined what began as an assault with a "blunt object," describing it as "torture."

Police recovered McGheeb's body on May 10, but Saldivar's body remained missing for weeks.

"Georgiana was severely beaten before being placed in the canal by Boshay Ware, and also, Saldivar, Jerome Saldivar, was severely beaten."

For the first time, new photos of Saldivar were released.

His family told Action News he was born at Fort Hood, Texas, and was raised as what they described as an "Army Brat." They said he loved his family and the Dallas Cowboys.

Investigators believe the violence was not random and could be tied to an RV trailer.

Police said Ware does not have a history of violent crime but has convictions for minor offenses. A judge set his bail at $2.7 million.

"You have a right to a preliminary hearing within 10 court days and 60 calendar days from today, the date of your arraignment," Fresno County Superior Court Judge Robert Mangano said.

Ware is due back in court June 30.

Both sides are preparing for a preliminary hearing next month, which could be the first time additional details are made public.

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