Navy sailor accused in Midway District motel slaying pleads not guilty

A Navy sailor accused of strangling a woman at a Midway District motel in May pleaded not guilty June 23 to murder and other charges.

Marquise Tyree Wisher, 27, was arrested June 16 on suspicion of killing 32-year-old Rosa Jaco.

Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Matzger said the cause of death was strangulation and alleged that Wisher’s DNA was found under Jaco’s fingernails.

Paramedics responding to a call for medical aid at a motel on Greenwood Street shortly after 11 p.m. May 4 found Jaco unconscious and unresponsive, authorities said.

“As the medics were administering CPR, other people in the area were becoming disruptive and impeding their efforts,” San Diego police Lt. Matt Dobbs said.

While trying to revive Jaco, the ambulance crew “noticed the condition of her body was inconsistent with the information they were being provided,” Dobbs said.

Following an autopsy, the San Diego County medical examiner’s office ruled Jaco’s death a homicide.

Wisher also is charged with felony counts of assault and domestic violence on allegations of choking his wife on March 10. Matzger said Wisher’s wife alleged he had previously choked her and that there were 10 previous unreported incidents of domestic violence.

Wisher’s bail was set at $1 million. He is due back in court Aug. 3 for a preliminary hearing.