Man accused in stabbing death of Guam teen pleads not guilty

HAGATNA, Guam – A man accused of stabbing to death a Guam teenager during a burglary of her home has pleaded not guilty.

Brandon Michael Acosta, 24, entered his plea Wednesday to charges of aggravated murder and home invasion, the Pacific Daily News reported .

Timicca Nauta, 15, was found stabbed to death in her Chalan Koda home on Guam in June.

Acosta was initially arrested in connection to a series of burglaries reported in the Dededo neighbourhood at about the same time of the killing. He has remained in custody since the arrest.

While locked up, Acosta told another inmate that he killed Nauta, authorities claimed in court documents. Acosta said he did not intend to kill the teen during the burglary, but “he merely made a mistake” after startling Nauta when he entered her dark bedroom, authorities alleged.

The charges against Acosta were enhanced with special allegations of commission of a felony while on felony release.

Acosta was charged in January with family violence. He is accused of kicking his ex-girlfriend during an argument, according to court documents.

He is scheduled to appear in court again on Nov. 27.