16-year-old pleads not guilty in stabbing death
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GONZALES - A 16-year-old accused of stabbing another teen to death over a school dance argument pleaded not guilty to the charges against him Monday.
Jacob Westbrook is being tried as an adult in the death of 18-year-old Todd Toups. His arraignment and motions hearing on second degree murder charges took place Monday in Gonzales.
Investigators said Toups agreed to give a 14-year-old classmate from St. Amant High a ride to a school dance. On the night of Oct. 10 authorities said Toups went to the girl's home to check up on her, and Toups was stabbed in a confrontation with Westbrook, who was there at the time.
Several of Toups' classmates were out of class so they could attend Monday's hearing, as was the victim's mother and father. The next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 11.
News 2's Natalia Verdina will have more on the hearing tonight starting at 5 p.m.