A 43-year-old man charged with the murder of Long Beach reggae and hip-hop artist Toko Tasi pleaded not guilty Monday.

Thomas Neri Arellaga Jr. entered his plea after being arrested Thursday in Hesperia in the death of the musician. Lorna Santos Clemena, 43, was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory after the fact with knowledge of the crime; she also pleaded not guilty Monday, according to Ricardo Santiago of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Tasi, whose real name is Tasi Malaki, was shot in the upper body about 11:40 p.m. Aug. 10 near West Willow Street and Eucalyptus Avenue and died at the scene.

Detectives believe the victim and Arellaga were involved in a dispute—the nature of which was not disclosed—that led to the shooting, and that Clemena “was aware of the shooting, and attempted to protect Thomas Arellaga from arrest, trial, or conviction by concealing evidence related to the shooting,” according to a Long Beach police statement.

Arellaga and Clemena remain jailed while awaiting their next court appearance Sept. 11.

A post on the official Facebook page of Tasi said he was “taken away from this Earth by senseless violence,” and said benefit shows would take place in Long Beach in the near future.

Tasi’s most recent album, “Rise ta Shine,” was released in 2017. Born in Hawaii, Tasi grew up in Long Beach and collaborated with the bands Sublime and Slightly Stoopid. He was known for his melodic singing voice and at one point was signed to the Long Beach-based Skunk Records.

More than one hundred people turn out for a vigil for the slain musician on Monday. Benefit shows are being organized for a later date to help support his family.