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Defendant Gabriela Ortiz allegedly killed Robert Heiser, who was found dead inside his house on Feb. 16.
Ortiz was seen on store surveillance video using Heiser's credit cards hours after police discovered his body. Fremont police believe Ortiz's associate may be linked to one of their cases where a man was drugged, beaten and robbed.
"If we couldn't prove it without a reasonable doubt, we wouldn't have filed the case," said Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Daniel Carr.
According to the criminal complaint, Ortiz took Heiser's personal property, electronics, wallet and keys. The complaint also states Ortiz may have had help with at least three other people.
Fremont Police told KTVU Ortiz's associate could be a woman who goes by the name "Krissy." Authorities said back on February 7, "Krissy" lured a man who solicited the services of a prostitute. The man was then beaten and robbed.
That woman has not been caught. Heiser's neighbors said the man's death doesn't make sense.
"This is a friendly neighborhood. Basically, everyone knows everybody's business and everyone watches out for each other," said area resident Tony Beutler.
According to Heiser's obituary, he comes from a large family with nine siblings. The sales executive volunteered for the Second Harvest Food Bank in Gilroy. He left behind three daughters and six grandchildren.
A celebration of life for Heiser will be held at funeral home in Gilroy on Thursday. Ortiz is scheduled to be back in court next Tuesday, where she's expected to enter a plea. She's currently being held without bail.