A Massachusetts man is now facing a murder charge in connection with the tragic shooting death of a college basketball player who was driving at the time.
Pena Canela, 18, entered a not guilty plea in court on Thursday, following the fatal shooting of Carl-Hens Beliard that occurred on a Wednesday night, as reported by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.
According to prosecutors, Beliard was in the car with a woman who had an on-and-off relationship with Canela, as per CBS News. During his arraignment, prosecutors alleged that Canela admitted to searching for the woman and firing the shots.
Prosecutors noted that Beliard was shot in the back, according to WCVB.
Canela's defense attorney, Debra Dewitt, responded to the allegations during the arraignment, stating, "It's news to me that he allegedly stated he committed the murder. I'm saying at this point in time, my client is innocent. I think there's a lot of information that we need to know."
Beliard's tragic death has left his family, friends, and the Worcester community in mourning. The young man, who was a freshman on Salem State's basketball team and a North High School graduate, was deeply passionate about basketball.
"He loved basketball so much," shared his mother, Altagrace Beliard, with WBZ-TV. "He loved his brother. He was a happy kid. He was really happy. He was really happy with the school. He was doing well."
Beliard's friend, Jaidan Baptiste, remembered him as "the happiest kid" who had a bright future ahead of him through basketball.
"He had things going for him," Baptiste added. "He was doing basketball and all that. I don't know why someone would wake up one morning and decide to take my boy's life."
Justin Bell's friend expressed similar sentiments, noting that Beliard was well-liked and the motive behind the shooting remains a mystery.
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