A former professional boxer already facing trial in the beating death of an 18-month old girl pleaded not guilty in a Hawaii court last week to strangling the baby’s mother.
Xavier “Pee Wee” Cortez Jr., 39, was charged with first-degree murder in the Sept. 20, 2011, killing of his former girlfriend, 20-year-old Sommer Ferreira. She witnessed her 18-month old daughter’s January 2011 beating death, for which Cortez is charged with second-degree murder, authorities said.
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Trial in the killing of Pomaikai is set for May 18. Trial in the death of Ferreira is set to start eight days later.