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 last Thursday and pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Kenmille died during a night of partying in May at Wild Horse Hot Springs outside the town of Hot Springs and just within Lake County lines. Authorities investigating the incident immediately deemed it “suspicious” and Lake County prosecutors finally pressed charges last week. Madplume is suspected of engaging in sexual intercourse without consent with Kenmille, who died from drowning in a hot tub.

Judge Kim Christopher set the matter for a Nov. 21 omnibus hearing, with a trial set to commence on Jan. 27. Madplume’s lawyer, Noel Larivee, also lobbied to have a bond hearing for his client held sometime in the coming weeks - most likely after Oct. 14, depending on Christopher’s availability.