PHOENIX (AP) - A man accused in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old woman in Ahwatukee and the wounding of her baby has pleaded not guilty.
Maricopa County prosecutors say 30-year-old Allyn Smith entered his plea Wednesday. His initial pretrial conference is scheduled for April 15.
Smith surrendered to authorities on Feb. 10 and was jailed on suspicion of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and child abuse.
Phoenix police say Khalli Lawrence was found lying on a walking path holding her 2-month-old daughter on Dec. 11.
They say Lawrence was shot in the back of the head and later died at a hospital. The infant is recovering from a leg wound.
Police say they believe Smith and Lawrence were in a dispute over paternity of the child before the shooting.
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