SAN FRANCISCO — A San Francisco man has pleaded not guilty to killing a woman and stuffing her body in a suitcase that was found in the San Francisco Bay.
Lee Bell entered the plea during his arraignment Wednesday in San Francisco Superior Court. The 48-year-old Bell is charged with murder in connection with the killing of 52-year-old Pearla Ann Louis.
Louis’ body was found in a suitcase that was spotted floating near the Embarcadero and Folsom Street on May 18.
Bell was arrested Friday while already in custody on suspicion of violating probation on a previous grand theft conviction.
Police said Bell and Louis had a previous relationship but have not disclosed how Louis died or a motive for her death.
Bell is being held in jail on $10 million bail. He is due back in court on June 21.
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