Man Pleads Not Guilty in Azusa Canyon Ax Murder

ARCADIA, CA — A man who allegedly killed a 27-year-old dancer with an ax pleaded not guilty today to the crime. The professional dancer's body was found in a remote area of Azusa Canyon.

Phillip Von Wade, 20, appeared in a Pomona courtroom to enter his plea in the killing of Rahkeem "Rocky" Reyes.

Von Wade is being held on more than $2 million bail and was ordered to return Oct. 17, when a date is expected to be set for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.

Reyes was last seen about 5:40 p.m. Monday. The car he was driving was left running, with his laptop, wallet and other items left inside, in the 1500 block of McWood Street in West Covina.

Von Wade allegedly attacked Reyes with an ax at a West Covina residence, then dumped the victim's body. The victim was found five days later 2 1/2 miles up Azusa Canyon on Saturday morning according to the Los Angeles County DA's news release.

Reyes was a professional dancer who had appeared in several dance videos, movies and commercials in addition to live stage performances, according to a family friend.

Both a Facebook and GoFundMe page were created for Reyes, first for missing person reports and now, as a memorial.

"We are deeply heart broken and thank everyone who took the time to look for Rocky, as well as the prayers which were said in his name," the post said.

City News Service, West Covina Police Department