NJ Man Pleads Not Guilty in Former Girlfriend’s Death

A New Jersey man who allegedly ran over his estranged girlfriend several times has pleaded not guilty to murder charges.

Charles Ann entered the plea Monday during a brief court appearance, where he was represented by a public defender. He remains jailed on $3 million bail.

Ann is charged in the Feb. 20 death of 25-year-old Aena Hong, who was killed on a Fort Lee street.

Witnesses say the couple had been arguing before Ann drove away. He then allegedly turned around and rapidly accelerated before running over Hong as she was crossing an intersection. He then put the car in reverse and ran over her body three times.

Prosecutors say Ann soon abandoned the car and fled to Queens, N.Y. where he was arrested the next day.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)