(CNN) The man accused of pursuing and killing college student Mollie Tibbetts in Iowa pleaded not guilty during arraignment Wednesday.

Cristhian Bahena Rivera, 24, entered his not guilty plea to a charge of first-degree murder through a translator at a court in Poweshiek County.

His attorney, Chad Frese, told the court his client has a "limited understanding of English and limited education."

Tibbetts went missing in July after going out for an evening run in Brooklyn, Iowa, and her disappearance prompted an extensive search.

Bahena Rivera, who confessed to following her as she ran on a country road, last month led authorities to the field where a body believed to be hers was buried under corn stalks, officials said.

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