BILLINGS- A Billings teen accused of shooting and killing a 17-year-old girl pleaded not guilty Tuesday to felony charges of deliberate homicide.
Xavier Adam Charles 17, made that plea during an appearance in Yellowstone County District Court.
The shooting took place in the early morning hours of Dec. 6 at a home on the 800 block of Wyoming Ave.
Billings police officers responded to the crime scene to find the girl dead in a bedroom with a gunshot wound to the head.
According to court documents, a .45 caliber pistol was used in the shooting. Police said it was stolen.
Witnesses at the home, including three adults and two juveniles, told investigators that the occupants were drinking at the home. At one point during the gathering, Charles pulled out the gun and pointed it at the girl. When she jokingly told him "he wouldn't do it," that's when police say Charles pulled the trigger and apparently shot the girl.
The teen faces a maximum penalty of life in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors in the case say a bond hearing will take place at a later date.
Charles is being held in a youth detention center on a $500,000 bond. He will be tried as an adult.
