A 78-year-old Saipan man denied serious allegations that he killed his brother. 

Defendant Moses Cabrera appeared in CNMI Superior Court today. 

He pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and battery, and assault with a dangerous weapon.

Moses Cabrera stands accused in the killing of his 71-year-old brother Pedro Cabrera.

Court documents state Moses told police that he and his brother, Pedro, got into a heated argument over family land before things turned violent. 

Pedro allegedly threatened to stab Moses at their family compound.

Moses allegedly admitted to police that he killed his brother using a hammer to hit his head and later left his body in the Garapan area in early August.

He is scheduled to appear back in court on Sept. 16.