Man Accused of Shooting and Killing Teen Pleads Not Guilty
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The Rochester man accused of killing a 16-year-old in the city pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday morning.
Chonice Stewart, 20, is accused of shooting Raven Cooper outside a home on Bay Street in July. He's facing second degree murder charges.
Family and friends cried coming out of the courtroom after seeing the defendant.
Police and prosecutors say Stewart and Cooper were fighting the day of the shooting.
"I anticipate there will be evidence that the two engaged in some physical altercation or a fistfight shortly before the deadly shooting," said Pat Farrell, prosecutor. "Any time you have such a young victim it certainly tragic. Fortunately, the victim appears to have a very close-knit family and they're doing their best to get through it."
A judge set Stewart's trial to begin April 15th.
Stewart is being held without bail. He's due back in court in December.