A man accused of brutally stabbing his ex-girlfriend in her Atlantic City home pleaded not guilty Tuesday.
The evidence against Jose Lopez is "voluminous," according to information released in court.
The 51-year-old man faces multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder and robbery in the killing of Bessy Blanco, 54 inside her North Harrisburg Avenue home.
The two had a romantic relationship, but had broken up. A family member previously told BreakingAC that Lopez had continued to harass her.
Police called to the home found Mark Richart, a friend of the victim, stabbed outside. His car had been stolen.
Inside, Blanco was dead. The stabbing so vicious, her arm had been severed, according to police who responded to the scene.
Richart, 52, of Quakertown, Pa., was hospitalized, and gave police a statement.
Evidence includes phone calls, texts, recorded statements and even police body camera footage.
"The evidence is voluminous," defense attorney Steve Scheffler told Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury in asking for an eight-week postponement.
That time will not count against the state under the speedy trial rules.
Outside the courtroom, Scheffler said once he receives the remainder of the state's evidence, he will look through it and determine "the best way to proceed" in the case.
Lopez is due back in court July 25.
