San Diego

A Mira Mesa man was ordered to stand trial Tuesday for the murder of a co-worker, a 16-year-old boy who was beaten to death.

Mark Radke, 21, was ordered to appear April 19 for arraignment following a preliminary hearing conducted by Municipal Judge Raymond Edwards Jr.

Edwards continued Radke’s bail at $500,000, and he remains in County Jail. He has pleaded innocent.

Jeffrey Rudiger, who worked with Radke at a Chuck E. Cheese pizza restaurant in Mira Mesa, was killed Jan. 21. His partly clothed body was found in Scripps Ranch the next day and his hands were handcuffed.

Rudiger was a popular student at Mira Mesa High School and his death shocked the school and the community. His parents were present for the hearing Tuesday, as were Radke’s parents.

Rudiger’s best friend, Justin Valdivia, 17, testified that Rudiger told him he was helping Radke with a secret “project” and that he was going to meet Radke the night he was killed.

Sgt. James Manis of the San Diego Police Department said he talked with Radke the next day and noticed that his hands had scratches on them and his knuckles were swollen.

“It appeared to me he had been in a fight,” Manis testified.

Radke’s father, Elmer Radke, testified that a hammer was missing from his home after his son was arrested. He defended his son against the murder charge.

“I have not known Mark to be in any violent situation in his life. He’s never been a problem,” Elmer Radke said.

Radke’s boss at the restaurant, Ken Fink, testified that Radke was in charge of the video games there. He said hand injuries such as cuts or busted knuckles were common for those who worked on the games.

“I think he’s (Radke) very, very peaceful,” Fink said. “I’ve never seen him get mad at anyone.”