The man accused of killing University of Iowa college student Mollie Tibbetts has pleaded not guilty to first degree murder.
24-year-old Cristhian Bahena-Rivera entered his plea during his arraignment on Wednesday morning. Rivera also waived his right to a speedy trial. A judge set trial for April 16.
Behena-Rivera faces life in prison. Investigators say Rivera, who was in the country illegally, pursued Tibbetts in his car while she was jogging on July 18. He became angry when she threatened to call police.
Her disappearance drew national attention for more than a month, before her body was found in a cornfield. Police say on August 21 Rivera led them to Tibbetts' body in a cornfield, but he told them he doesn't remember killing her.
An autopsy shows Tibbetts died of several stab wounds. Rivera is in jail on a $5 million cash-only bond.