Sanel Saint Simon, the man accused of killing his girlfriend's teenage daughter, rejected a plea deal from the state Monday morning.

The state offered a life in prison sentence for Simon, who is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and providing false information to law enforcement in the death of 16-year-old Alexandria Chery.

Saint Simon rejected the offer and elected to go to trial, which will take place in 2016.

The state also offered not to seek the death penalty against Saint Simon under the proposed plea deal.

Chery was reported missing July 28. Her mother found blood in her room, along with bleach that appeared to be used to cover up blood splatter.

The mother also found a pair of men’s underwear that Saint Simon took from the room.

Chery's mother said Saint Simon was the only other person at her home that Monday — the last time she saw the teenager, who was in her bed around 7 a.m.

According to documents released Aug. 28, Chery told family members she was sexually harassed and molested by Saint Simon almost a year before she disappeared.

Chery's mother filed a petition for protection against Saint Simon on behalf of her daughter after the teen's disappearance.

The day after the petition was filed, Chery's body was found in a wooded area near Reunion, off Osceola Polk Line Road. Family members laid Chery's body to rest last month.

Saint Simon pleaded not guilty, contending he had nothing to do with Chery's disappearance or death.

Related stories