The murder suspect in the case of missing nursing student Holly Bobo -- cousin of country singer Whitney Duncan -- pleaded not guilty in a brief arraignment hearing Tuesday afternoon (March 11).

WSMV reports that Zachary Adams, the 29-year-old man charged in connection with Bobo's murder, entered a not guilty plea during the hearing, which took less than five minutes.

Adams sported a black and tan striped jumpsuit, bullet-proof vest and shackles while Judge Creed McGinley asked him if he understood the charges, to which the Tennessee native replied, "Yes, sir."

An April 9 status hearing was set. In the meantime, investigators are still searching the suspect's property, having arrived with crew and dogs on Saturday (March 8). The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) confirms it requested Shelby County Emergency Services to search there in connection with Duncan's cousin's murder. The TBI has not indicated whether any remains have been discovered.

Bobo disappeared from outside her home in Darden, Tenn. on the morning of April 13, 2011. Her brother saw her being led into the woods by someone dressed in camouflage, and it's been years of praying, hope and heartbreak for the family since.

On the day that news of the murder broke, Duncan issued a statement on Twitter, expressing that she was "heartbroken beyond words". On Monday (March 10), she pleaded with fans to pray for the Bobo family:

https://twitter.com/NewsOnHollyBobo/status/443128151171153921

More on this story as it develops.

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