Prelim set in case of fatal fight

Two murder suspects appeared in court Tuesday related to the slaying of Josue Crook who was killed in a fight outside a National City restaurant following a World Cup party on June 17.

Daniel Arce Gonzalez, 35, and Salvador Oswaldo Chavez, 37, have both pleaded not guilty and a Chula Vista Superior Court judge set a preliminary hearing Tuesday for Sept. 4.

Both men are charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

A World Cup party was being held in the Rincon Del Mar restaurant at 324 Highland Ave. on June 17 as people were watching Mexico play Brazil on television. A fight broke out and spilled into the street where Crook, 36, was shot several times around 5:35 p.m. He died at a hospital.

National City Police arrested Chavez on July 10 and Gonzalez on July 15. Gonzalez is being held in jail without bail and Chavez’s bail was set at $2 million. Police have not disclosed what ties either man had to the slaying.

A prosecutor said Tuesday the facts of the case have not been discussed in court yet but there will be details at the preliminary hearing.