Suspect in shootings that killed one, wounded two at Fallbrook plant nursery pleads not guilty

A 76-year-old man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to murder and attempted murder, accused of shooting three co-workers at a Fallbrook plant nursery last week, killing one and wounding two, including his daughter.

Enrique Barajas Gutierrez — who goes by Enrique Barajas, his attorney said — faces up to 114 years to life in prison if found guilty.

Barajas and the three victims all worked at Atkins Nursery, which sits west of Interstate 15 in an area of homes, wineries and other plant nurseries.

He has been jailed since his arrest at the scene Friday afternoon. When deputies brought him into the Vista courtroom Wednesday, sniffles and muffled cries could be heard from a group of several people near the back of the courtroom. Many declined to talk with news reporters as they left the hearing.

Barajas is also accused of personally using a firearm in the shootings. Sheriff’s officials said the weapon was a .22-caliber rifle.

Superior Court Judge Matthew Brower ordered Barajas held without bail.

The entrance of Atkins Nursery in Fallbrook is seen here on Saturday, a day after the shooting.

(Adriana Heldiz/The San Diego Union-Tribune)

No new facts of the case came out during the brief arraignment, and authorities have not disclosed a motive.

Shortly before 3 p.m. Friday, deputies received a report of an assault with a deadly weapon at the nursery. Sheriff Kelly Martinez said deputies arrived within seven minutes.

Outside a barn, they found two wounded people — a man and a woman — sheriff’s homicide Lt. Chris Steffen said. Each had been shot in the torso.

Inside the barn, deputies found a third victim. They also encountered the suspected shooter, whom authorities identified as Barajas. He was arrested without incident.

The victim in the barn died at the scene. He was identified as Francisco Hernandez Mireles, 69.

The two other victims were Barajas daughter, described as 35 to 40 years old, and a man said to be 65 to 70 years. They were taken to a hospital, where they underwent surgery. They are expected to survive.

In court Wednesday, Barajas was ordered to have no contact with the two surviving victims.