Accused murderer Pablo Fernando Maldonado pleaded not guilty in the 2009 death of Conyers landscaper Timothy Clements in Newton County Superior Court on Thursday.

Former District Attorney Ken Wynne announced in late June that the state intended to seek the death penalty against Maldonado, who they believe was the ringleader in Clements’ killing. Interim District Attorney Layla Zon has taken the case over since Wynne was sworn in as the county’s fifth judge in July.

Maldonado is charged with murder, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, armed robbery, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, forgery in the first degree and theft by taking in the death of 53-year-old Clements.

Also charged in the crime is 19-year-old Brittney Beasley and 18-year-old Christian Caldwell. Katria McClain, 17, has pleaded guilty and promised to testify truthfully against the other three.