POLSON - Melvin Madplume, the 29-year-old who stands accused of rape and deliberate homicide following the "suspicious death" of his cousin, Laurence Kenmille, made his initial appearance in Lake County District Court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Judge Kim Christopher set the matter for a Nov. 21 omnibus hearing, with a trial set to commence on Jan. 27.

Kenmille died during a night of partying in May at Wild Horse Hot Springs near the town of Hot Springs, just within Lake County lines. Authorities investigating the incident immediately deemed it "suspicious" and Lake County prosecutors finally pressed charges last week.