Sex offender accused in Portland woman’s death

(Update: Suspect in woman’s death pleads not guilty)

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A convicted sex offender in Portland has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge after authorities said he killed an 89-year-old woman and stuffed her in the trunk of his car.

Timothy Mackley was arraigned Wednesday in Multnomah County Circuit Court in the death of Marcine Herinck, a grandmother who volunteered at a thrift store.

Portland police say the body is “likely” Herinck’s but they are awaiting official confirmation from the Oregon Medical Examiner.

Herinck was reported missing from her northeast Portland home on Sept. 19.

Police stopped Mackley’s car on Monday and said they found the body in the trunk.

Court records show prosecutors believe Mackley killed Herinck sometime between Sept. 18 and Sept. 24.

Court records show Mackley is a convicted felon and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.