The man accused of brutally killing a 12-year-old Nashville girl briefly appeared in court, where he pleaded not guilty.
Police said Roy Coons murdered Yhoana Arteaga in her home in Goodlettsville back in August. In his first court appearance on Wednesday, he also told a Davidson County judge that he couldn't afford an attorney and asked for a public defender.
More: Police Arrest Man In Brutal Murder Of Nashville 12-Year-Old
According to investigators, Yhoana was last seen alive was on August 10 when she and her mother had lunch together that day at 12:30 p.m. Her mom then received a text message from her at 5:30 p.m. saying there was someone knocking on the door of the home.
Her mother and two siblings returned home around 6:45 p.m. and found Yhoana dead.
Coons lived just two doors down from Yhoana and did yard work from the family. Police said DNA evidence linked him to the crime.
A grand jury returned a multi-count indictment charging Coons with first degree premeditated murder, two counts of first degree felony murder, attempted rape of a child and especially aggravated burglary.
