Cheyenne Man Pleads Not Guilty in Boy’s Death

A Cheyenne man accused of killing his girlfriend's 2-year-old son has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

John Barrett entered the plea during his arraignment this (Thursday) morning in Laramie County District Court.

Charging documents allege Barrett "in the perpetration of child abuse" killed the child "by inflicting lethal physical injury" upon the boy. He's also accused of inflicting "anal intrusion" upon the child.

Barrett is charged with two counts of first-degree murder-commission of a felony, first-degree sexual abuse of a minor, child abuse and aggravated child abuse.

The state could seek the death penalty in the case, but Laramie County District Attorney Jeremiah Sandburg told the court, "The state's not ready to announce its decision."

Judge Catherine Rogers told Sandburg the state has until October 31 to make a decision, further saying, "I'm not going to set this case for trial today."

Barrett remains jailed on a $50,000 cash bond.