Franklin native John Poulos declares himself not guilty in the murder of Valentina Trespalacios

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA (CBS 58) -- Franklin native John Poulos pleaded not guilty in court in Columbia Tuesday, Sept. 5, facing charges of feminicide in the murder of Valentina Trespalacios.

According to reports, Poulos alleged, "I will not accept the charges and I maintain my innocence," while detained in La Picota prison in Bogota.

Poulos -- who previously lived in Franklin with three kids and his wife before filing for divorce in 2021-- is accused of murdering Colombian DJ Trespalacios in January.

Court findings indicate he flew to Colombia in December of 2022 to meet with his girlfriend, Trespalacios, later killing her, hiding her body in a suitcase, and disposing of her corpse in a dumpster. He later tried to flee overseas.

If found guilty, the attorney general's office is said to be asking for 50 years in prison for the charge of feminicide.

His next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 18.