Renato Seabra, Portuguese Model, Pleads Not Guilty in Corkscrew Castration, Murder

(CBS/WCBS/AP) Renato Seabra, a male model who had recently starred on a Portuguese reality TV show, has pleaded not guilty to killing his companion, a celebrity television journalist, who was found castrated and bludgeoned to death in a New York City hotel.

PICTURES: Male Model Arrested for Murder

The Portuguese model pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a second-degree murder charge and his lawyer says he is planning a "vigorous defense."

Police say the 21-year-old has confessed to killing well-known Portuguese journalist Carlos Castro on Jan. 7 at their hotel room in Manhattan.

According to CBS affiliate WCBS, police say Seabra brutally attacked his companion for at least an hour.

Prosecutors say Seabra admitted to castrating Castro with a corkscrew, bludgeoning him with a computer monitor and stabbing him in the face.

Defense lawyer David Touger said after Seabra's court hearing that they hope for a positive outcome to the case.

Seabra remains in custody at Bellevue Hospital.