Father pleads not guilty

A Maine Township father accused of suffocating his daughter pleaded not guilty this week in Cook County court. Elmyr Lawson, 37, 9205 Potter Road, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 5-year-old Kae on March 6. Authorities said he killed the girl because she had made a mess with her toys. Lawson's attorney has said his client has a history of mental problems. His next court date is June 12 in Skokie.