AUBURN – A Sabattus man charged with murdering

his former girlfriend will remain behind bars while he awaits trial, a judge ruled Tuesday.

After a four-day hearing, Superior Court Justice Joyce Wheeler denied bail for Daniel Roberts, 35.

Roberts has admitted that he shot and killed Melissa Mendoza, 29, of Tustin, Calif., on Aug. 15 at his home, but maintained that he acted in self-defense.

At the time, Mendoza and Roberts were in the midst of a battle for custody of their child.