Teen Pleads Not Guilty In Shooting Death Of Iona College Student

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A 19-year-old New Rochelle man has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and weapons charges in the shooting death of an Iona College freshman.

Stivenson Desir, who is accused of fatally shooting 19-year-old Brandon Lawrence earlier this month, was arraigned in White Plains court on Tuesday.

Lawrence, of Yonkers, was found dead in the middle of a ball field at Lincoln Park in New Rochelle on April 3.

Police said Desir pulled out a gun and shot Lawrence once in the chest while they watched two people fist fight at the park following a party at an off-campus house.

"It's a very troubling, it's a very serious case, and troubling allegations, but I have no comment," defense attorney Allen Poperelli said after the arraignment.

Desir is the son of an Iona College employee and nurse's aide. He graduated from New Rochelle High School and was working, but did not attend the college. Prosecutor said he was affiliated with a gang, CBS2's Lou Young reported.

"It doesn't make sense," a family member said.

Desir is being held without bail. He is due back in court on July 26 and faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

There is no known motive for the shooting.