REDWOOD CITY — A 50-year-old San Bruno man accused of killing his elderly neighbor and dismembering the body has pleaded not guilty to murder charges, prosecutors said.

David Stubblefield entered his plea during an appearance Monday in San Mateo County Superior Court. In addition to murder, Stubblefield is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and tear gas, as well as destroying or concealing evidence.

Prosecutors say the March 11 killing stemmed from an argument over the price of a space heater Benjamin Roybal, 77, had agreed to purchase from Stubblefield, his neighbor.

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San Bruno police find dismembered body in a home Stubblefield is accused of spraying Roybal with pepper spray, then shooting him to death with a handgun. He tried to dispose of the body by cutting it up and dissolving it with chemicals, according to prosecutors.

On April 6, the remains were found by San Bruno officers who went to Stubblefield’s home in the 3000 block of Pacific Heights Boulevard to ask him about Roybal, who had been reported missing March 29. Body parts were reportedly found in the home and backyard.

Stubblefield, who remains in custody in lieu of $10 million bail, is scheduled to return to court May 22 to set a date for a preliminary hearing.