A Santa Maria man pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Santa Barbara County Superior Court to murder and other charges stemming from a domestic violence incident three days before Christmas.

Anthony Kevin Larks, 60, remotely attended an afternoon arraignment hearing before Judge Kristy Imel.

Santa Maria police arrested Larks after responding at approximately 6:30 a.m. Friday to a home on the 1300 block of Dolcetto Lane for a reported domestic disturbance involving a shooting in the Lavigna gated community west of South Blosser Road.

Police have identified the victim as Johannes Katya Johnson, 43, of Santa Maria. Her name also has been spelled Johanness.

A criminal complaint filed Wednesday included four felony charges including murder, assault with a firearm, criminal threats and child abuse under conditions likely to cause great bodily injury or death. 

Larks also faces special allegations, or sentencing enhancements, including intentional discharge of a firearm, which was identified as handgun.

Defense attorney Julie Manakas asked to defer a decision on Larks’ custody status, but Deputy District Attorney Lindsey Bittner argued against bail for Larks. 

“This is not just a murder case,” Bittner said, noting the other charges regarding a young daughter and a nephew. 

Additionally, the victim had been shot multiple times, Bittner said.

Larks reportedly made comments saying he wished police had killed him and later said he wanted a lethal injection. 

In arguing against bail, Bittner also expressed concern that Larks poses a threat to the two surviving victims and himself.

Judge Imel ordered that Larks be held without bail, but said it could be revisited at a future hearing. 

The case against Larks is scheduled to return to court Jan. 4 when the judge and attorneys may set a date for the preliminary hearing. 

The judge also issued a criminal protective order for Larks to avoid any type of contact with his nephew and daughter.