An alleged high-priced call girl accused of killing a Google executive with a lethal dose of heroin and then fleeing his yacht pleaded not guilty Wednesday.
Alix Tichelman, 26, appeared in court in Santa Cruz, a week after being charged with manslaughter, prostitution, destroying evidence and transporting a controlled substance.
A judge denied her request for her $1.5 million bail to be reduced, and she was ordered to remain in custody.
Tichelman was arrested on July 4 by Santa Cruz police, who identified her as the woman in a surveillance video on the yacht where 51-year-old Forrest Hayes was found dead of an overdose in November.
The video shows Hayes suffering "medical complications" and passing out after being injected by Tichelman -- and then shows her leaving the scene, instead of administering first aid or calling for an ambulance, police said.
Tichelman stepped over Hayes at one point to finish a glass of wine, according to investigators, who added that she lowered window blinds to hide the man from view.
His body was found the next morning.
{{/usCountry}}His body was found the next morning.
{{/usCountry}}The California woman was arrested after being lured to an upscale hotel by investigators under the pretense of meeting a rich man willing to pay well for sex, according to court documents.
Tichelman used a "Seeking Arrangements" website to connect with men and boasted of having more than 200 clients, investigators said.
Hayes reportedly met Tichelman through the website, which promises that a "Sugar Daddy" can use it to find "Sugar Babies" for "upfront and honest arrangements with someone who will cater to your needs."