The man accused of killing a southern Colorado parole officer last year pleaded not guilty to all charges at an arraignment hearing Friday morning. 

Justin Kula, 42, is accused of killing Pueblo parole officer Christine Guerin Sandoval with his car after he attempted to flee from her and two other parole officers who were attempting to make contact with Kula on Sept. 28. 

At Kula’s preliminary hearing, evidence was presented that Kula had allegedly been using narcotics prior to his interaction with Sandoval. Kula’s attorneys argued at the hearing that Kula did not know Sandoval was a member of law enforcement when she approached his car, the district attorney’s office argued that Kula was fully aware Sandoval was a member of law enforcement when he attempted to flee.  

Man accused of killing Colorado parole officer headed to trial

At Kula’s arraignment hearing, his attorney, Kimberley Davis, informed the court that there have been no negotiations with the prosecution regarding a plea deal, and that Kula was prepared to plead not guilty to all charges. Kula faces eight charges for allegedly causing Sandoval’s death, including leaving the scene of an accident involving death, reckless manslaughter, vehicular homicide and more. 

Kula is slated to begin his two-week long trial on Oct. 28. Kula will return to court on June 7 for a status conference hearing. He remains in custody at the El Paso County jail on a $250,000 bond. 

Return to Nature owners' trial date tentatively set, arraignment hearing continued