A man accused of murdering a 49-year-old woman early this year was arraigned on the charges Monday.

Antonio Lamont Pope, 29, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the death of Mable Anderson, of the 800 block of Ashley Avenue, who was killed her home in January. Anderson’s body was found Jan. 8, after police went to the home to investigate a missing person report filed by her family.

Pope was Anderson’s roommate at the time, according to a police press release issued in January. Family members at the time said Anderson often opened her home to people who came in from out of town.

A jury trial is set to begin March 25, 2009. Pope has retained attorney Mike Massie. Will Jamerson, deputy commonwealth’s attorney, is prosecuting the case.