Prichard teenager accused in death of 12-year-old brother pleads not guilty

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) – The teenager accused in the death of his 12-year-old brother pleaded not guilty in court today.

According to Prichard police, the boy, whom the family identified as Cle'tavion Smoke, died of a single gunshot wound on Snyder Drive earlier this month.

In the days that followed, Prichard police launched an urgent search for Smoke's 16-year-old brother.

The teen turned himself in and was charged as an adult with manslaughter. He is being held without bail at the Strickland Youth Center on another charge. Prosecutors say he failed to appear in court in that case because he was in possession of a stolen gun.

In the new manslaughter charge, prosecutors allege he was responsible for the death of his younger brother.

Today, the teenager's lawyer says his client bears no responsibility.

“My client has claimed that he did not harm his brother in any way, and the state will have to present the evidence against my client, if there is any,” said attorney Michael Kaoui. “At this time, I do not know if there are any witnesses who can say that my client did anything to his brother.”

The teenager is due back in court on October 1 for his preliminary hearing.

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