PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
The man accused of murdering a Portland woman found dead in her apartment on Southwest Park Avenue pleaded not guilty in court.
Michael Kirkland entered his plea to charges including aggravated murder, rape and strangulation Monday.
He was arrested Jan. 3. Investigators said they identified the 37-year-old as a suspect in the death of Jaime Larson, 33, through forensic evidence found at the crime scene. Portland police worked with the state crime lab to examine the evidence.
Larson's body was discovered on Christmas night.
Court documents accused Kirkland of using a sock to block her mouth and impede her breathing. Kirkland is also charged with abuse of a corpse for allegedly cutting the victim's body after she died, according to court documents.
His trial is now set for Feb. 26.
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