Two teenage brothers plead not guilty in murder case at a Columbus hotel

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – Two juveniles arrested in connection with a murder at a Columbus hotel appeared in court on Sept. 20.

17-year-old Patrick Montgomery Jr. and 16-year-old Dereon Montgomery are being tried as adults and both pleaded not guilty to murder and possession of a firearm during a felony.

The two teenagers were arrested on September 17 in Lee County in connection with the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Dennie Henderson in March.

They were extradited to Columbus the next day.

Police responded to the SpringHill Suites on Whittlesey Boulevard on March 24, where they found Henderson with fatal gunshot wounds.

Authorities said surveillance footage near the crime scene showed four armed individuals in a vehicle belonging to Ty'Quavious Richmond, leading to his arrest in May.

Columbus police arrest shooting suspect in 16-year-old murder

The investigator explained in court that the two Montgomery brothers ran away from home after taking their father's AR pistols. A screenshot with directions to the crime scene was also found on the suspects' cell phones.

Both teenagers are being held without bail on all charges and the case will be taken to Superior Court.

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