BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (AP) — A Binghamton University student accused of fatally stabbing a 19-year-old freshman on the university’s main New York campus has pleaded not guilty.
Michael Roque
A public defender representing 20-year-old Michael Roque entered the plea on his behalf Monday. Roque faces a charge of second-degree murder in the killing of Joao Souza.
Souza was attacked Sunday night in a residence suite on the campus near the Pennsylvania state line. The university says Souza had previously attended high school in New York and was a native of Brazil.
University police chief Timothy Faughnan says investigators believe the suspect targeted Souza. Faughnan wouldn’t give any other details about the case.
University president Harvey Stenger said in a statement that police are working with the community to keep the campus safe.
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