Suspect enters not guilty plea in fatal Morris Heights shooting of toddler

? The suspect charged in the shooting death of a toddler in Morris Heights on Easter Sunday entered a not guilty plea at his arraignment Wednesday. A judge ordered Nicholas Morris, 26, be held without

News 12 Staff

Apr 20, 2006, 12:40 AM

Updated 6,744 days ago

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? The suspect charged in the shooting death of a toddler in Morris Heights on Easter Sunday entered a not guilty plea at his arraignment Wednesday.
A judge ordered Nicholas Morris, 26, be held without bail. Morris was charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter and weapons possession after authorities say an eyewitness picked him out of a lineup. Morris turned himself into police Monday after speaking to News 12 The Bronx. He says he did not fire the stray bullet that tore through a minivan and struck 2-year-old David Pacheco Jr. as he was headed to church. Morris says he fled the scene after hearing gunshots. He is due in court next week.
The slain boy's mother and father say Morris should spend the rest of his life behind bars. They expressed anger that Morris is still alive while their son is about to be buried.
Police are looking for Morris? friend Ronneil Gilliam, who was allegedly with him during the shooting. Authorities are offering a $2,000 reward for information on Gilliam?s whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-577-TIPS.
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