The Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse in Downtown Long Beach.
The Gov. George Deukmejian Courthouse in Downtown Long Beach. File photo.

A San Pedro man appeared in court for the first time today to face charges he murdered his estranged wife, whose body was dumped along the 710 Freeway more than a decade ago.

Carl Mayes, 41, is charged with the July 14, 2006, killing of Tyquesha Myers, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Mayes reported her missing a day after he killed her, according to prosecutors.

The murder charge includes allegations that Mayes personally used and intentionally discharged a firearm. He is also charged with a felony count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

At his first hearing in Long Beach Superior Court, a judge set Mayes’ bail at more than $3 million and agreed to postpone his arraignment.

Myers, 20, of Long Beach, was found dead along the bike path north of Pacific Coast Highway about 7:30 a.m. on July 15, 2006, according to Long Beach police.

The woman died of a gunshot wound to the head, according to records from the coroner’s office.

Police said they believe the motive for the killing was domestic violence-related.

The person who found the body said he had not seen Myers when he walked along the same path about 11 p.m. the night before, a Long Beach police lieutenant said at the time.

Mayes was arrested Friday as a result of new unspecified evidence, according to Long Beach police. He could face 50 years to life in prison if he’s convicted of the charges.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to clarify authorities believe Myers was Mayes’ estranged wife, not girlfriend.