Wis. man, 75, pleads not guilty in slain teen case

John Henry Spooner (left) pleaded not guilty and waived his right for a preliminary hearing in the May 31 killing of Darius Simmons, 13, during a hearing Monday in Milwaukee. Spooner is charged with one count of first-degree intentional homicide and will stand trial in the fatal shooting of his 13-year-old neighbor, shown in a photo held by his mother, Patricia Larry. (AP File Photos)

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A 75-year-old Milwaukee man will stand trial in the fatal shooting of his 13-year-old neighbor.

John Henry Spooner pleaded not guilty Monday and waived his right for a preliminary hearing.

Spooner is charged with one count of first-degree intentional homicide in the death of Darius Simmons on May 31.

Authorities say Spooner’s home had recently been broken into and that he confronted the teen and demanded the return of the stolen items. Authorities say Darius replied that he didn’t have them, and then Spooner shot him in the chest in view of the teen’s mother.

Witnesses said Spooner paced up and down the sidewalk until police arrived. A criminal complaint says Spooner admitted to the arresting officer that he shot Darius.

A scheduling conference is set for June 20.