Man accused of killing Te Atatu woman Cun Xiu Tian pleads not guilty

Cun Xiu Tian, 69, was found dead in her home. She was beaten to death and sexually violated. Photo / NZ Police

The 19-year-old charged with the murder and sexual violation of a Te Atatu woman Cunxiu Tian in her home has entered a not guilty plea in the High Court at Auckland this morning.

Jaden Lee Stroobant appeared in the dock dressed in a white singlet and track pants as his lawyer entered the plea on his behalf.

The teen has been charged with the murder of the 69-year-old mother and grandmother who was found dead in her Glenvil Lane home on Friday January 15.

He also faces two charges of sexual violation - the details of which are to remain suppressed.

Arms crossed and looking a little jittery the 19-year-old remained silent throughout his appearance, much unlike his one at the Waitakere District Court where he shouted and swore.

Jaden Lee Stroobant was remanded in custody and is to stand trial on November 21.

The death of Cunxiu Tian, who was found by her daughter several hours after she was killed, rocked the quiet Auckland suburb earlier this year.

It led to a huge police investigation dubbed Operation Nepal.

Twenty five investigators and a number of criminal profilers were part of the team who spent hours looking for the man believed to be responsible.

Police have said the attack was violent and prolonged and initially labelled it as a burglary gone wrong.