UC Riverside Student Pleads Not Guilty To Plotting Murder Of Ex-Boyfriend

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — A 21-year-old college student has pleaded not guilty to charges of plotting a murder-for-hire.

Barbara Wu, a student at University of California Riverside, was arrested May 23 after allegedly asking her boyfriend, a fellow student, to kill her ex-boyfriend.

Wu is being charged with five felonies and three misdemeanors, including soliciting murder and making terrorist threats, according to court documents.

Her now ex-boyfriend filed a restraining order against Wu on May 28, ordering her to stay 100 yards away from him. The order also says she is not allowed to harass, attack, strike, threaten or assault him.

Some students on campus were shocked to hear the charges.

"They had her as a housemate, and I guess they never saw it coming," said Bryan Phan, whose friends once lived with Wu. "It's pretty crazy."

"It's been a hectic week, it's finals week," said Phan. "And all this to come out, it's pretty scary."

Officials on campus said counseling is available for students who wish to talk about harassment or threats.

Wu is expected in court July 9 for a felony settlement hearing.