The teenager accused of murdering Loxton woman Nina Starr in January has pleaded not guilty in the Elizabeth Magistrate's Court.
The 19-year-old of Malpas near Loxton denied murdering 53-year-old Ms Starr then dumping her body in the River Murray.
It is alleged he used a 44-centimetre spanner to bash Ms Starr, who was unable to be identified for some time because of the extent of her injuries.
He has been remanded in custody and will be arraigned in the Adelaide Supreme Court on September 18.
