MURRIETA - A Riverside County sheriff's deputy accused of gunning down a patron at a Murrieta bar during an argument must stand trial on murder and other charges, a judge ruled today.

Dayle William Long, who was off duty at the time of the shooting, faces 50 years to life in prison if convicted in the Dec. 21 slaying of 36-year-old Samuel Vanettes of Winchester.

Along with the murder count, Long faces sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations. He's being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta.

Following a daylong preliminary hearing, Superior Court Judge Timothy Freer determined there was sufficient evidence to warrant a trial for the 42- year-old defendant, who has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of his case.

Freer set a post-indictment arraignment for March 19.

The prosecution summoned three people to testify -- Steven Whiddon, a friend of the victim, Murrieta police Sgt. Phil Gomez and another witness, Danny Burnside. The defense called no witnesses.

According to testimony, Long was drinking at Spelly's Pub and Grille at 40675 Murrieta Hot Springs Road on the night of the shooting when a group of people playing darts invited him to join them.

While they were socializing, an argument broke out between the off-duty deputy and a friend of Vanettes, according to witnesses.

The exchange turned confrontational, but at no time did any of the bar patrons become physically aggressive toward the deputy, who initiated the altercation, witnesses alleged.

"It was all verbal," Deputy District Attorney Dan DeLimon told City News Service, citing testimony. "No one ever pushed, touched or shoved Dayle Long in any way."

As the argument escalated, the 10-year law enforcement veteran allegedly pulled a compact .45 semiautomatic pistol and opened fire, striking Vanettes in the midriff and head. The victim, who had been unarmed, died at the scene.

As witnesses called 911, Long walked outside and waited for Murrieta police to arrive. Officers encountered the deputy in front of the bar and ordered him to lay down his firearm and surrender, which he did peacefully, according to the prosecution.

Long most recently worked as a bailiff at a downtown Riverside courthouse.