BOULDER, Colo. -- A Lafayette teenage accused of stabbing his girlfriend's mother to death pleaded not guilty to the crime Thursday even as his lawyers continue to negotiate a plea deal that could spare him a life sentence.

Boulder County District Judge James Klein made Bryan Grove, 18, enter the not-guilty plea, even though the judge also set a Nov. 15 disposition hearing for the anticipated plea agreement.

Grove is charged with first-degree murder in connection with the February slaying of Lafayette resident Linda Damm, 52. Police said that Grove was the boyfriend of Tess Damm, the 16-year-old daughter of the victim. She is charged with first-degree murder and is accused of plotting with Grove to kill her mother.

Police found the decomposed body of Linda Damm in her car which was parked at her home. They were investigating reports that she hadn't been seen for several weeks and that loud parties were going on at the house.

Tess Damm and Bryan Grove were arrested at the home after the body was found.

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