Francis Tattoli is charged with murder.
An East Rutherford man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges of murder and kidnapping, NorthJersey.com reported.
Francis Tattoli, 24, of East Rutherford, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to murder. (Bergen County Prosecutor's Office) Police arrested Francis Tattoli, 24, on Dec. 18 in the alleged attack at his apartment. He was initially charged with attempted murder and weapon possession in the stabbing of Monet Thomas, 25.
Thomas, of Kearny, died of her injuries Dec. 28 at Hackensack University Medical Center. The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office subsequently charged Tattoli with murder and kidnapping.
Tattoli's bail also increased to $5 million. Authorities said Thomas was visiting a friend in Tattoli's building.
She was found unconscious in the doorway of Tattoli's apartment.
Tattoli's attorney Brian Neary filed the not guilty plea on his client's behalf.
Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.