An Iowa City man charged in the slaying of his girlfriend has pleaded not guilty, according to court records.

Eric Scott Osborn, 26, reportedly went gambling with his live-in girlfriend, Sarah McKay, on the night of March 6. Early the next morning, according to police reports, the couple drank beer, smoked marijuana, and played video games. Osborn told officers he also took some pills.

At roughly 3 a.m. on March 7, Osborn allegedly said he struck McKay across the head with a baseball bat. According to the reports, he said he didn’t want her to suffer so he strangled her to death. He told deputies he blacked out and had no idea why he killed McKay.

Osborn and his attorneys entered the not-guilty plea after a written arraignment was filed. Sixth District Judge Mitchell Turner has been assigned to the case. No trial date has been set.

— by Sam Lane