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Arkansas Parolee At Center Of Controversy Pleads Not Guilty to Murder

A convict who remained free despite numerous parole violations has pleaded not guilty to killing an 18-year-old man in Little Rock.

Forty-seven-year-old Darrell Dennis entered the plea Tuesday in Pulaski County Circuit Court to charges of capital murder, kidnapping and aggravated robbery in the May 10 death of Forrest Abrams.

Dennis told reporters as he was being led from the courtroom that he did not kill Abrams. Prosecutors say they haven't decided whether to seek the death penalty.

Dennis had largely remained free on parole since 2008 despite numerous arrests and felony charges.

The case led to investigations by state police, the governor's office and a legislative committee.

The state Board of Corrections says there will now be automatic parole revocation hearings for parolees charged with a new felony.