Ex-boyfriend of missing Maui pregnant woman pleads not guilty to murder charges

MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) - The ex-boyfriend of a Maui woman, who was five-months pregnant when she went missing in February, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges he murdered her and torched her car to cover up the crime.

24-year-old Steven Capobianco quietly entered his not guilty plea during his appearance in Circuit Court Tuesday morning before Judge Joseph Cardoza.

A Maui grand jury indicted Capobianco on Friday, July 11 on a second-degree murder charge in the death of Carly "Charli" Scott. He was also indicted on arson charges for allegedly setting fire to Scott's property.

27-year-old Charli Scott was five-months pregnant with Steven Capobianco's son when she went missing. Capobianco was the last person to see Scott on February 9, 2014 and has been a top person of interest for Maui P.D., but officials say it took months of perseverance to build their case.

Capobianco has been in custody at Maui Community Correctional Center since June when he was picked up by Maui police on suspicion of allegedly threatening a member of Scott's family. He was charged with possession of a deadly weapon, in addition to violating the terms and conditions of his bail release on a prior felony theft charge.

Capobianco, who was dressed in an orange MCCC jumpsuit and wearing a neck brace, looked weary. Sources say Capobianco was involved in an altercation with a fellow MCCC inmate a few days ago. Capobianco, who was reportedly treated for a neck injury, was allegedly mistaken for someone else.

It was standing room only in Judge Cardoza's courtroom when Capobianco's case was called.

Members of Scott's family, supporters and volunteers who helped search for her filled the first few rows of the gallery and stoically watched the proceedings as they held each other's hands.

Judge Cardoza ruled to maintain Capobianco's $2 million bail and also ordered him to stay away from the Scott family should he post bond -- stressing that included online activity through social media.

If convicted, Capobianco could face life in prison with the possibility of parole -- unless the judge is petitioned for and agrees to enhanced sentencing, in which case parole could be denied.

* Click here to read the EXCLUSIVE HNN interview with Steven Capobianco:

Copyright 2014 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.