Albany man pleads not guilty in homicide case

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Albany County District Attorney's Office announced that Paul Smith, 21, of Albany, pleaded not guilty today to a four-count indictment in a homicide case. Smith has been charged with fatally shooting Javon Ward on June 5.

Smith is also accused of possessing an illegal and loaded firearm, as well as attempting to cause the death of a second victim. He was indicted on the following charges:

• Second-degree murder
• Second-degree attempted murder
• Second-degree criminal possession of a weapon
• Second-degree reckless endangerment

"We at the District Attorney's Office share in the grief of Javon Ward's family. Mr. Ward was
mentored by members of this office, and was well on his way to doing great things," said Albany County District Attorney David Soares. "The investigation remains open, which limits what we can say, but we are glad we're one step closer to achieving justice in this case."

Smith was remanded to the Albany County Jail following the arraignment. He is scheduled to return to court on October 1. The investigation by the Albany Police Department remains ongoing.