POLK COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) - A northwest Wisconsin man has pleaded not guilty in the brutal beating death of his fiancé.

45-year-old Scott Youngmark of Milltown entered the plea Wednesday to a Polk County charge of first-degree intentional homicide.

The defense said it was working on a request to move Youngmark’s possible trial, citing excessive pre-trial publicity. A judge will hold a hearing on that request April 16th.

Authorities said Youngmark was freed on a reduced bond for bail jumping just 15 days before he allegedly stabbed and beat 47-year-old Kari Roberts. She was found dead in her apartment on December 1st.

Prosecutors said Youngmark was awaiting sentencing at the time for a 2011 incident in which he stabbed a man just below the neck, and hit another man in the jaw with his knee.

After he was arrested in that case, officials said he asked family members to encourage witnesses not to testify against him. He ended up striking a plea deal.

Authorities said Youngmark has also had numerous convictions in neighboring Minnesota from 1996 through 2008.