Four teens who were charged with murder pleaded not guilty on Tuesday after they were taken into custody for beating to death a Chinese University of Southern California graduate student.

Prosecutors stated that four teenagers, including 19-year-old Jonathan del Carmen, 18-year-old Andrew Garcia, 17-year-old Alberto Ochoa and 16-year-old Alejandra Guerrero, assaulted USC engineering student Xinran Ji on July 24, leading to his death.

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On Tuesday, the Los Angeles courtroom was filled with over 150 people including friends and supporters awaiting the outcome of the trial while 70 more stood in wait outside.

Each of the four suspects entered a not-guilty plea as the slain student's family mourns his loss.

According to theie family lawyer Rose Tsai, Ji is an only child and was described as a young man 'full of sunshine' who had a 'very bright future' ahead of him.

Judge Renee Korn declared that the four suspects should be held until their next hearing on September 12 without bail.

Prior to the incident, Ji came from a group study when the four teens reportedly attacked him, attempting robbery early morning of July 24.

Reports say that the 24-year-old Chinese engineering student was beaten with a wrench and baseball bat but was able to flee the scene. However, evidence indicate that he was attacked a second time.

Reports also show that Ji was stabbed with a knife and a wrench.

Due to a severe wound to the head, he left a trail of blood as he struggled to walk to his apartment in 30^th Street which was close to the university campus. Around six hours later, a roommate found his lifeless body inside the apartment.

Students, supporters and friends of the family stayed outside the courthouse, displaying placards with photos of the victim and the words: "Justice for Xinran Ji."

TagsLos Angeles, USC, University of Southern California, engineering student, Killed, Robbery, Murder, Plea, not guilty