The Los Gatos man accused of murdering his wife and dumping her body in the Santa Cruz Mountains pleaded not guilty to the two felony counts he’s charged with—as well as all additional allegations—on Nov. 1, in Santa Clara County Superior Court.
He’s charged with felony false imprisonment and felony murder, as well as six aggravating circumstance allegations and a use-of-a-deadly-weapon enhancement.
According to a minute order, 57-year-old Yeager, who remains in custody, appeared in person with his lawyer, Leah Nicole Gillis, for the afternoon hearing, in front of judge Cynthia A. Sevely.
The court disclosed that the DA’s Office is prosecuting a separate case where Sevely is named as a victim, for being threatened.
A spokesperson for the DA’s office noted it’s likely the judge won’t preside over the preliminary examination.
That’s scheduled to start on Dec. 16, nearly a year after prosecutors say Yeager killed his wife, Yingying “Dawn” Yu (on New Year’s Eve).
Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department detectives Michael Birley and Riley Frizzell said Yeager confessed to killing his wife, and say he was caught on security footage arguing with her on Dec. 31 outside their home at 285 Hershner Ct.
Yu was reported missing after she didn’t show up for work.
On Jan. 10, LGMSPD assembled a team to crack the case.
Yu’s remains were exhumed Jan. 14.
During the Police Recognition Luncheon, Oct. 17, LGMSPD Chief Jamie Field commended Birley and Frizzell for their efforts.
Yeager waived his right to a preliminary examination within 10 days of his arraignment. However, he did not waive the right to one within 60 days.
