Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in Murder of XXXTentacion

Dedrick Devonshay Williams, the suspect arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of XXXTentacion has pleaded not guilty to the charge. Appearing in a Fort Lauderdale, Fla. court on Monday (June 25), the 22-year-old Florida native claimed innocence, ABC Local 10 reports.

"I plead him not guilty and my client maintains his innocence," said private attorney Mauricio Padilla, who was handpicked by Williams' family to represent him. "It's difficult when you're dealing with media cases because as you know they take a life of their own nowadays with social media. But we're really focused on trying this case in a court of law and not in the court of public opinion."

Authorities believe Williams played a role in the June 18 killing of XXXTentacion and claim the suspect drove the SUV that was used to block the rapper from driving away in his vehicle. According to the report, Williams and another suspect were both armed when they confronted the "Sad!" rapper. This contradicts reports from the Broward Sheriff's Office that there are three suspects in total, with Williams being one of them.

Last week, the arrest warrant for Williams revealed new details about the case, including the belief that two men, along with Williams, were inside the SUV and robbed the rapper at gunpoint. Arrest warrants for two other suspects have reportedly been issued but no further arrests have been made.

While the case continues to unfold, a public memorial with an open-casket viewing has been scheduled for Wednesday (June 27) from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla.

"Fans come out and say your final goodbyes," reads a flyer for the event. "It will be your last chance to see him." The flier also notes that no cell phones or cameras will be allowed in the venue. "Please leave them at home or in your vehicle," the flier continues. "Any person found with a device of the sort will be immediately turned around at gate and escorted out and will not be allowed back on the premises."

Check out Local 10's update on the case below.

See Photos of XXXTentacion Performing at 2018 Rolling Loud