Guam - Roland San Nicolas Smith pleaded not guilty in the Superior Court on Wednesday for the murder of his common-law wife. Smith faces charges of murder, aggravated assault and possession and use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony.

He was arrested last month after he admitted to police that he confronted Amanda Marie Cruz and became angry, striking her with a metal pipe. Cruz died from a skull fracture and contusion to the brain.

Meanwhile, Smith waived his rights to a speedy trial and has a criminal trial setting scheduled for December 10 before Judge Anita Sukola.