UTICA — A Utica man charged in a December homicide in the city rejected a plea offer in Oneida County Court on Tuesday.

James Ware Jr., 28, appeared before Judge Robert L. Bauer Tuesday morning on one count of second-degree murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Ware rejected a plea deal from the District Attorney's Office for 18 years to life in state prison on the murder charge.

Ware's case was adjourned to April 4 for motion argument.

Police said Ware shot and killed 20-year-old Tirus Freeman in a parking lot at the Adrean Terrace housing complex on Armory Drive around 12:40 a.m. Dec. 15. Authorities said Ware shot Freeman multiple times.