ROCKWELL CITY — A Gowrie man accused of killing a 17-year-old young woman in Farnhamville last month has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and demanded his right to a speedy trial.

Nathaniel Bevers-McGivney entered a written plea of not guilty Friday morning in Calhoun County District Court.

Bevers-McGivney, 21, is charged with first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse in the death of Michele “Luna” Jackson, of Farnhamville, last month. A criminal complaint alleges that Bevers-McGivney “deliberately and premeditatedly” cut Jackson’s throat.

The criminal complaint states that at about 11 p.m. Sept. 22, a Farnhamville resident contacted the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and reported her daughter as missing. The resident and her other daughter were on foot looking for the girl, who often spent time at the City Park, where she was last seen.

The victim’s mother and daughter saw Bevers-McGivney in possession of the victim’s scooter and other personal effects. They also noted that Bevers-McGivney was covered in what they believed to be blood.

Law enforcement questioned the suspect that evening about the blood on his clothing and, at that time, he requested to speak to a lawyer.

A search throughout Farnhamville ensued, and at approximately 9:12 a.m. Sept. 23, the victim’s body was discovered. Bevers-McGivney was then charged with abuse of a corpse and later with first-degree murder.