Man accused of murder pleads not guilty

RIVERSIDE - A Florida man accused of killing a prostitute nearly 40 years ago near Desert Hot Springs pleaded not guilty to a murder charge today.

Michael Jerome Hayes, 63, is accused of killing 23-year-old Mary Elaine Costa, who lived and worked in Palm Springs and was last seen at a local bar. Hayes was arrested Jan. 10 at his Pompano Beach home by members of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department Cold Case Homicide Team.

Hayes, who was charged with murder on Jan. 27, is due back in court March 26 for a felony settlement conference. He is being held at the Robert Presley Detention Center...