By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

EDGARD – The man accused in the Dec. 5 murder of 15-year-old Taylor Adams pleaded not guilty to charges against him in a brief court appearance Wednesday.

Earnest Joseph III entered his plea before 40th Judicial court Judge Madeline Jasmine at the St. John the Baptist Parish Courthouse. His privately attained attorney David Belfield was also present for the arraignment procedure.

Joseph was indicted Jan. 4 on second-degree murder charges in connection with the beating Death of Adams. Adams was found dead insider her home by her mother, who had returned from working an overnight shift.

Authorities said Joseph lived down the street from Adams and investigators have said the two knew each other. Adams was beaten to death inside her home following an intense struggle. Deputies have recovered a murder weapon and forensic evidence from the scene, but have not released a motive in the killing.

Joseph remains incarcerated at the Sherman Walker Correctional Facility in LaPlace.