The man accused of killing KATV's Anne Pressly maintains his innocence.  28-year-old Curtis Lavelle Vance pleaded not guilty to capital murder, rape, burglary and theft charges Thursday morning.

Vance said nothing to reporters as three Pulaski County Sheriff's deputies escorted him to the hearing.  He was shackled and wearing a bulletproof vest.  He was silent throughout the ten-minute hearing.

Judge Chris Piazza lifted the gag order but ordered the case files to remain sealed.  He also said jail records could be disclosed through the state's Freedom of Information Act.  Vance's attorneys indicated they may request a mental evaluation and Judge Piazza set a hearing February 17th for that request.  He also set Vance's trial for September 9th and a pre-trial hearing for August 18th.

After the hearing, Vance spoke to reporters and said, "I didn't do it."  When asked by a reporter if he killed Anne Pressly, he said, "No ma'am."

Vance also said the last few months have been "hell."

His mother, Jacqueline Vance, said "my son said he didn't do it."