The man accused of killing his girlfriend in Syracuse December 23rd is being held without bail after appearing in court Monday.

Otoe County prosecutors asked a judge to deny bail for 44-year-old Ronald Smith because they say he's a flight risk. Smith was arrested in Collinsville, Illinois December 27, after a standoff with police.

Otoe County Attorney David Partsch said, "In this case for the safety of the public and the security of the community we wanted to make sure he was held without bond pending the outcome of the case."

Court documents allege Smith fled to Illinois after killing his girlfriend, 51-year-old Terri Harris. Authorities found Harris's body at her home in Syracuse Christmas day. They believe Harris was killed two days earlier.

Smith faces a second-degree murder charge for allegedly smothering Terri Harris with a pillow after an argument. He also faces forgery and theft charges related to checks made out to Harris, and a vehicle he's accused of taking from Harris' home.

An attorney was appointed to represent Ronald Smith, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for February 2.

Smith's sister told KOLN/KGIN she didn't believe her brother committed the crime. She said he would not intentionally try to hurt someone.