SAN DIEGO -- Trial for a man charged with strangling a La Jolla investor in his home and transferring $7.5 million out of the victim's investment account was set for Oct. 18 Wednesday.

Kent Thomas Keigwin, 60, is charged with murder for financial gain in the death last June of 65-year-old John Watson, a retired biotech executive and member of a start-up investment group.

The defendant also faces charges of grand theft, burglary, forgery and use of personal identification of another.

Keigwin could face the death penalty or life in prison without parole if convicted. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis has yet to decide which punishment the defendant will face if he's found guilty.

According to previous court testimony, Keigwin was seen in the area of Watson's home on June 8, the day he was found dead.

Prosecutor Sharla Evert said the victim and the defendant -- who were acquaintances -- struggled inside Watson's home, and the victim was Tasered and strangled.

The next day, Keigwin transferred $7.5 million from one of Watson's investment accounts into a new account that he opened in the victim's name, Evert alleged.

Keigwin also put his passport, Social Security card and transfer codes for bank accounts in a safety deposit box, according to the prosecutor.

Three days later, on June 11, Keigwin came back to Watson's residence with the victim's keys -- dressed all in black and carrying an empty backpack -- and was arrested by homicide detectives investigating Watson's death, Evert said.