Accused Wayland Teen Killer Pleads Not Guilty

A Wayland teenager accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and dumping her body in a marshy area of town has been ordered held without bail after pleading not guilty to murder and assault charges.

Nathaniel Fujita was arraigned Tuesday in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn, more than seven weeks after he was arrested for allegedly killing 18-year-old Lauren Astley.

Prosecutors say the 18-year-old Fujita strangled and sliced Astley's neck on July 3. Both graduated from high school in June. They had dated for several years but had recently split.

Astley was last seen at work on July 3. A cyclist found her body the next morning several miles from her car. Authorities say evidence of the slaying was found in Fujita's home.

Fujita's attorney, William Sullivan, did not immediately return a call for comment.

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