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'Angel of death' pleads not guilty

LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- A former respiratory therapist pleaded not guilty Wednesday to murder charges in the deaths of six elderly hospital patients.

Efren Saldivar, who once allegedly described himself to police as the "angel of death," entered his plea before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lance Ito.

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Saldivar, 32, is accused of murdering the six elderly patients in 1996 and 1997 while he worked at Glendale Adventist Medical Center. He is charged with six counts of murder with special circumstances.

The charges qualify for special circumstances under California law because there were multiple victims and the victims were allegedly poisoned, according to Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley. Saldivar is also being charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of possession of and concealing stolen property. According to the district attorney's office, the stolen property was a drug called Versed, which may be used to induce sleep in patients.

The special circumstances entitle the district attorney's office to seek the death penalty, but Cooley has not decided if he will pursue that sentence.

Saldivar is expected back in court January 22 for a hearing about whether certain portions of the grand jury transcript will be sealed.