A 59-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing his children's mother in a domestic violence incident pleaded not guilty today, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced.

Ngounsay Keo (dob 12/12/56) of Long Beach has been charged with three felony counts in case NA103998: one count of murder and two counts of making criminal threats. The felony complaint includes a knife allegation.

Deputy District Attorney Kelly Kelley of the Victim Impact Program, who is assigned to the case, said on April 13 police were called to a home in the 1200 block of Stanley Avenue in Long Beach.

When authorities arrived at the location, they reportedly found Keo armed with a knife, the prosecutor said.

After some time, police detained Keo. Inside residence, authorities found the body of Karina Duch, 40, in a bedroom. The victim had been stabbed to death, according to the prosecutor.

Keo is scheduled to return to court on July 28 for a pre-preliminary hearing in Department S01 at the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Long Beach Branch.

If convicted as charged, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 29 years and eight months to life in state prison.

The case is being investigated by the Long Beach Police Department.

Los Angeles County District Attorney / case NA103998 / June 16, 2016