Man charged for killing soldiers pleads ‘not guilty’

HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. (AP) – A man charged with killing two Fort Campbell soldiers has pleaded not guilty.

The Kentucky New Era reports 35-year-old Jeremy J. Demar was arraigned Wednesday. He is charged with the murders of Spc. Priscilla A. East and Sgt. Christopher R. Hoch. Demar is also charged with one count of attempted murder, first-degree burglary and fourth-degree assault.

East and Hoch were shot on Feb. 2. Hoch’s 16-year-old brother was assaulted and the accused assailant put a gun to Dominique House’s head.

Defense counsel Brandi Jones asked for an extension of the first pre-trial conference given the nature of the charges. Judge John Atkins has set it for July 19 and says he expects “meaningful progress.”