Man Pleads Not Guilty to West Covina Murder, Canyon Body Dumping of Dancer

​A man accused of axing his friend in West Covina and dumping his body down a canyon pleaded not guilty today in Los Angeles Superior Court. Phillip Von Wade, 20, a resident of West Covina, is faced with one count of murder that includes the special allegation of personally using a deadly and dangerous weapon during the commission of the crime.

​The defendant was supposedly friends with victim Rahkeem Reyes, 27.

​But on September 5, Wade allegedly used an ax to bludgeon Reyes, killing him. The prosecution claims that Wade then took the body to Azusa Canyon where he left it. Reyes's remains were discovered by police detectives five days later.

​Bail was set at $2.02 million.

​If convicted as charged, Wade would face a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison.

​The case is being investigated by the West Covina Police Department.