A Chattanooga man accused of killing a local pastor pleaded not guilty to all charges on Friday, despite admitting a pivotal role in the crime during jailhouse interviews with the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
Antonio Henry, 26, listened via video feed as his attorney, Daniel Ripper, entered a not guilty plea on charges of first-degree murder and especially aggravated robbery in connection with the Rev. David Strong’s death last October.
It was Henry’s first public appearance since a preliminary hearing in November. He slumped against walls inside Hamilton County Jail and only spoke when spoken to.
“I’ll be by to see you soon, OK man?” Ripper said.
“All right,” Henry replied.