Ex-con pleads not guilty to killing woman whose body was found stuffed in a suitcase in Harlem
A hulking ex-con pleaded not guilty Tuesday to killing a woman whose body was then stuffed inside a suitcase.
Hassan Malik entered the plea during a brief appearance in Manhattan Supreme Court, where he is facing second-degree murder charges in the death of Betty Williams.
Williams, 28, was killed last month after being smashed in the head with a frying pan, then strangled, police have said.
Her remains were found inside a suitcase dumped on E. 114th St.
Police believe Williams, who has a history of prostitutution, may have been turning tricks for Malik when a fight broke out.
A sister of the dead woman said she was no hooker.
"How those two met, we don't know and we'll never know," said Yajaira Springe, 30.
Malik has told detectives Williams smacked him with a frying pan and wrapped an electrical cord around his neck. Prosecutors have said forensic evidences knocks down those claims.
Earl Ward, a lawyer for Malik, declined comment.
Williams is due back in court Feb. 15th.
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