Former Marine pleads not guilty to killing

[unhappycamper]

Former Marine pleads not guilty to killing
The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Jan 1, 2009 8:53:15 EST

RENO, Nev. — A former Marine accused of killing a college student in Reno, Nev., and sexually assaulting her and two others has pleaded not guilty to the crimes.

Twenty-seven-year-old James Biela of Sparks entered his pleas Wednesday before Washoe District Judge Robert Perry. He is charged with murder, kidnapping and three counts of sexual assault.

Prosecutors say they will decide next week whether to seek the death penalty.

Biela is accused of killing and sexually assaulting 19-year-old Brianna Denison, who disappeared while sleeping on a friend’s couch last January. Her body was found Feb. 15.

He’s also charged with sexually assaulting two other women in late 2007.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_marine_student_slain_123108w/%2e