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Man accused of raping, killing North Carolina teen could face death penalty

ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. — The man accused of raping and murdering 13-year-old Hania Aguilar appeared Monday morning in front of a North Carolina judge.

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Officials said during the short appearance, the judge revoked 34-year-old Michael Ray McLellan's bond and said he could face the death penalty in the case.

According to officials, McLellan is due in court again later in the day regarding a different criminal case he faces.

After following more than 850 leads and conducting nearly 500 interviews, the FBI and the Lumberton police arrested and charged McLellan in connection with Aguilar's abduction and death.

Agents announced early Saturday morning that McLellan had been charged and was being held at the time of his arrest in law enforcement custody on charges unrelated to Aguilar's case.