SCOTT CITY MAN PLEADS INNOCENT TO MURDER

OTTAWA, Ill. -- A Scott City, Mo., man pleaded innocent in his first court appearance on Friday involving the murder and dismemberment of a Washington state woman earlier this month.

Richard G. Meyer, 42, pleaded not guilty to two counts of first degree murder, and charges of concealing a homicide and criminal damage to property in the July 11 death of Ernestina "Tina" Hinojosa of Kennewick, Wash.

Meyer will appear for a formal arraignment on Aug. 4, said Greg Sticka, assistant prosecutor for LaSalle County.

Before Meyer's plea is official, he must be indicted by a grand jury and make his plea at the arraignment, Sticka said.

Immediately following the arraignment, dates for motions by attorneys, a preliminary hearing and a trial will be set, he said.

"It's not likely that the case will go to trial on the first date that is set," said Michael James, prosecutor for LaSalle County.

The county's grand jury, which meets to decide indictments on all felony charges, will take up Meyer's case next week.

Meyer was one of many prisoners in LaSalle County court for hearings on felony matters Friday. Sticka said he showed no emotion.

Members of Meyer's family were not in court for the hearing, said Polly Meyer, his estranged second wife.

"I have two small kids to raise, so I'm not going to get involved," she said.

The only member of Meyer's family who has made contact with him is his mother, Anna Marie Urhahn.

Urhahn could not be reached for comment Friday.

Near Richland, Wash., the 11 brothers and sisters of the victim held funeral services Friday for Hinojosa. She was buried next to her mother, who died last year, said Pete Hinojosa, the victim's brother.