A 10-year-old boy accused of fatally stabbing his 12-year-old friend has pleaded not guilty in San Diego to charges of murder and assault.
U-T San Diego reports that a juvenile court judge ordered the boy to remain in custody Thursday. A hearing is scheduled Feb. 23 to determine if he is competent to stand trial.
The defendant's mother was in the courtroom. She was ordered to return to court for next month's hearing.
The 10-year-old is charged with killing his neighbor Monday in a suburb east of San Diego. The stabbing occurred in the 10-year-old's driveway. Neighbors say the 10-year-old was well-liked but known for angry outbursts.