Suspect in cab driver's death pleads not guilty

MOUNT VERNON — One of four teenagers accused in the shooting death of a Mount Vernon cab driver has pleaded not guilty.

The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan reports that 15-year-old Christopher Wells of Mount Vernon entered the plea Tuesday in Jefferson County Circuit Court.

Wells is charged in the May 31 killing of 75-year-old Charles Ellis, who was found dead in his cab after having been shot in the back during what police suspect was an attempted robbery.

Wells was arrested the next day along with 18-year-olds Damondros James, Mark Anthony Taylor Jr. and Demandre Black. James and Taylor are from Mount Vernon, while Black is from Swansea.

All are charged with first-degree murder.

James and Taylor already have pleaded not guilty. Black is scheduled for a court appearance Thursday.