Prostitute Charged in Google Exec’s Death Pleads Not Guilty

A prostitute accused of causing the death of a Google executive by heroin overdose pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter, great bodily injury and heroin possession on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press.

Prosecutors said they will review the case and may bring more serious charges against Alix Tichelman, 26. A defense attorney said Tichelman had no reason to kill the executive.

Google executive Forrest Hayes was found dead on his yacht in November after Tichelman allegedly shot him up with heroin and left him unconscious. The high-priced prostitute did not help the 51-year-old Hayes or call 911, according to police.

Surveillance footage reportedly shows the suspect pick up the heroin, needles and her belongings, then step over Hayes’ body and finish a glass of wine before closing a blind and leaving the yacht.

Tichelman’s bail was set at $1.5 million and the Santa Cruz County judge refused to reduce the amount.

[AP]