A teenager charged with killing a gay tourist on the streets of New Orleans has pleaded not guilty.
Sixteen-year-old Malik D. Cornelius appeared in court Aug. 1 as discovery packets were issued in the murder trial of Jacob Carter.
Carter, 32, was gunned down in the early morning hours of Jan. 5 in the Marigny neighborhood, dying in the arms of his husband, Daniel Blagovich. The couple, who owned a popular bagel shop in Tacoma, Washington, were vacationing in the Crescent City at the time.
In the wake of Carter’s death, memorials and tributes were posted on Howdy Bagel’s social media sites and over $303,125 was raised through GoFundMe.
“If you knew Jake, you know he was someone who exuded kindness, warmth and genuine care to everyone he met,” Howdy Bagels posted on Instagram. “Jake was one of the brightest spots in the lives of everyone he loved. This loss is immeasurable for our community.”
Cornelius, who is being held in custody in a juvenile detention center, was indicted May 9 on second-degree murder. His case was moved to adult court in March and bail was set at $600,000.
The LGBTQ liaison for the New Orleans Police Department declined to comment, citing an ongoing investigation. Police reports state Carter was shot at the intersection of Bourbon and Kerlerec streets, and that two people fled the scene.
A hearing to set motions is scheduled for Sept. 13 in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court.
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