An Otoe County judge denied bond Monday for a Syracuse man accused of killing his girlfriend December 23rd. The body of 51-year-old Terri Harris was found by relatives on Christmas Day.

Forty-four-year-old Ronald Smith was arrested December 27th after a standoff at a Collinsville, Illinois motel.

Investigators believe Smith smothered Harris with a pillow after an argument, then allegedly forged some checks made out to Harris and stole her vehicle.

Smith is charged with second-degree murder, forgery and theft. A public attorney was appointed to represent Smith, who is expected back in court on February 2nd.