The man accused of murdering rapper Dolla has pleaded not guilty.


Aubrey Louis Berry entered the plea to murder and assault charges in a Los Angeles courtroom on Friday. The 23-year-old Atlanta resident remains in jail on $5 million bail. His lawyer claims the shooting was self-defense.

Dolla, 21, was killed while waiting in the valet area at the Beverly Center shopping mall in Los Angeles on Monday. The suspect was arrested later that day trying to board a flight out of LAX.

The rapper, born Roderick Anthony Burton II, was preparing to release his debut album Another Day, Another Dolla on Akon’s label.

Akon released a statement to ABCNews.com on Tuesday. “Dolla was part of the Konvict Entertainment family and an incredible artist. This is a senseless crime and the industry has lost a real talent. Our heart goes out to his family, friends, and fans.”