Ohio man pleads not guilty in murder of neighbor, 9

Updated 11:23 a.m.

WOOSTER, Ohio -- Jerrod Metsker, the Ohio man charged in the rape and murder of his nine-year-old neighbor, pleaded not guilty Thursday, CBS affiliate WOIO reports.

Metsker, 24, faces charges of aggravated murder, kidnapping and rape in the strangulation death of Ohio girl Reann Murphy.

Following a search, Murphy was found dead Dec. 15 in a trash bin at the trailer park where they both lived in Smithville, about 30 miles southwest of Akron. Metsker was arrested later that day.

Authorities said a caller identifying himself as Metsker reported Murphy missing in a 5 ½ minute 911 call.

Metsker's $1 million bond was continued Thursday, and no new court date was set, reports the station. He could face the death penalty if convicted.