GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Pedro Bravo has been formally charged with first-degree murder in the case of a missing University of Florida student during his first court appearance.

The state argued Saturday that Bravo should be charged with murder because he previously said he beat 18-year-old Christian Aguilar until he was bloody, swollen and barely breathing.

Gainesville Police said they discovered Aguilar’s backpack hidden in a suitcase in Bravo’s closet and blood stains throughout Bravo’s car.

The Miami Herald reports Bravo stared straight-faced into the jail camera during the proceedings. He was denied bond. In the midst of the search, Gov. Rick Scott is joining to help.

Police say Aguilar was last seen Sept. 20 at a Best Buy store with Bravo. Police believe they may have been fighting over a girl.

A massive search for Aguilar continues.

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