LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — The man accused of shooting and killing a 17-year-old inside Fayette Mall on Sunday has pleaded not guilty.
19-year-old Xavier Hardin was arrested Monday evening and charged with murder and two counts of assault in the first degree. Hardin had a not guilty plea entered for him at his arraignment Tuesday.
Hardin's bond is set at $560,000. His next court date is August 31, according to the Fayette County District Court Clerk's Office.
Lexington Police responded to a shooting Sunday at 4 p.m. outside of Bath and Body Works inside Fayette Mall where an argument broke out. 17-year-old Kenneth Bottoms died from his injuries at the hospital. Two other victims, including another 17-year-old, have non life-threatening injuries.
Two other 18-year-olds, Cion Townsend and Nasir Lyons, have been charged with tampering with physical evidence. Police announced Monday morning that Townsend and Lyons were "associated with Bottoms."
