CHARLESTON â A Charleston man accused of shooting and killing a Charleston police officer pleaded not guilty during arraignment Thursday and is headed for an August trial.
Joshua Marcellus Phillips, 38, pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, persons prohibited from possessing a concealed firearm and four drug charges during his arraignment in front of Kanawha County Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey. Phillips was indicted by a grand jury April 12.
Bailey scheduled Phillipsâ trial for Aug. 16. He faces life in prison if convicted on all charges.
Police allege Phillips shot Patrolman Cassie Johnson, 28, on Garrison Avenue on Dec. 1. Johnson died in the hospital two days later.
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