SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) – A 24-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to accusations that he killed a South Bend woman who was reported missing in April.

Alberto Cruz was charged with murder last week in the death of 22-year-old Alma Del Real. He entered his preliminary plea at an arraignment Tuesday.

Authorities say Del Real's body was found May 20 in a remote area near Culver, about 40 miles south of South Bend.

Prosecutors accuse Cruz of strangling Del Real after giving her a ride home in the early morning of April 12. Police say he later confessed to killing her, and court documents say he led police to her body.

A message seeking comment was sent to an attorney listed as representing Cruz.