BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP) — Two Georgia teenagers pleaded not guilty Thursday to murdering a baby who was shot in the face during what authorities described as an attempted street robbery.
Both De'Marquise Elkins, 17, and Dominique Lang, 15, are charged as adults. Authorities say Elkins fatally shot 13-month-old Antonio Santiago in his stroller as Elkins and Lang tried to rob the child's mother March 21 on the street a few blocks from her Brunswick apartment.
They entered their pleas in writing and waived arraignment before a judge that was scheduled for Thursday morning.
Superior Court Judge Stephen Kelley has said he wants a trial before the end of the year. Prosecutors weren't allowed to consider seeking the death penalty because Georgia law prohibits it for defendants charged with crimes before age 18.