A local man has entered a plea of not guilty on a murder charge.

Jimmy D. Massengale, who is charged with the May 27 shooting death of Roger Dean, appeared in Wayne Circuit Court on Tuesday, August 7 for his arraignment.

Massengale was indicted for murder by the Wayne County Grand Jury in July.

He was also indicted on three counts of wanton endangerment first degree and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

During last week’s court appearance, Massengale was appointed a public defender, who then entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.

A preliminary hearing date for Massengale has been set for October 2 at 9 a.m. Motions related to a bond for the defendant are expected to be heard at that time.

Massengale remains lodged in the Wayne County Detention Center. He was arrested shortly after the shooting incident that occurred on May 27 at a residence on Davis Street.

Police say that Dean, who was an acquaintance of Massengale, died from multiple gunshot wounds.