UTICA — A Utica man accused of shooting and killing his friend on Whitesboro Street denied the charges in his first appearance in Oneida County Court on Tuesday, according to court officials.

Dontay Horning, 20, pleaded not guilty before Judge Michael L. Dwyer to one count each of second-degree murder and second-degree possession of a weapon, court officials said. His case was adjourned for a report to Tuesday.

Authorities said Horning shot and killed 24-year-old Kaeron Henderson in the 1500 block of Whitesboro St. at about 12:15 a.m. Nov. 20. According to court documents, Horning fired “several rounds” from a semi-automatic handgun at “close range.” Henderson was struck twice by gunfire, once in the midsection and once in the left arm, authorities stated.

Utica Police said it was believed that Horning and Henderson were friends prior to the shooting, which took place outside the Cathedral Gardens Apartments.