Ronald Kelly, one of two suspects charged with the murder of Kent State student Christopher Kernich, pleaded not guilty this afternoon in front of Judge John A. Enlow at the Portage County Court in Ravenna.

On the morning of Nov. 15, Kelly, 20, of Shaker Heights and another suspect: Adrian A. Barker, 21, of Akron, allegedly assaulted Kernich, a junior pre-business management major, after a verbal altercation. Kernich died six days later.

The amended indictment included two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault in connection with Kernich’s death, along with three supplemental charges of misdemeanor assault, brought forth earlier this month. According to the Record Courier, Kelly allegedly assaulted three other Kent State students on the night of Kernich’s murder.

Enlow overruled defense attorney Gregory S. Robey’s motion to reduce Kelly’s bond to a suggested $150,000.

Kelly’s trial is set for May 4.

-Samantha Laros