The suspect pleads not guilty to the murder of a man who worked at the collision shop

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ROCHESTER, NY — A man appeared before a judge Thursday morning after being charged the killing of a 29-year-old man who worked at a collision shop on Hollenbeck Street.

Angelito Diaz-Escalera appeared in Rochester City Court. He has pleaded not guilty to murder and weapons charges.

Police say Diaz-Escalera snuck up on Christopher Romero-Warren while he was working inside the collision shop on Sept. 18 and shot him. Detectives say the two men knew each other and the killing appears to be the result of an ongoing dispute.

Deputy District Attorney Jana Jahlen says fighting this type of crime requires constant effort.

“It’s always disturbing when these types of violent acts occur, and we do our best to work diligently to combat crime and do everything we can to prevent it in the future,” Jehlen said.

Diaz-Escalera is due back in court on Monday, Nov. 4.