Teens plead not guilty in Alaska murder case

ANCHORAGE — Teenagers charged in the death of a 16-year-old Palmer boy have pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges.

Anchorage television station KTVA reported attorneys entered the pleas in a Palmer courtroom Tuesday on behalf of the five, including several who are minors. All have been charged as adults in connection with the death of David Grunwald.

Sixteen-year-old Erick Almandinger was arrested Dec. 3 and the others were arrested Friday.

Almandiger, Dominic Johnson, Austin Barrett and Bradley Renfro are charged with first- and second-degree murder, kidnapping and hindering prosecution.

Eighteen-year-old Devin Peterson is charged with hindering prosecution and evidence tampering.

A criminal complaint against Almandinger says Grunwald was pistol-whipped by an acquaintance, driven to a remote location and shot.

Grunwald failed to return home after dropping off his girlfriend Nov. 13. His remains were found Dec. 2.

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