Man Accused of Toddler Shooting Death Pleads Not Guilty

The 27-year-old man charged in the pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning to aggravated manslaughter and weapons offenses.

Wakir Bryant, who was wearing a blue shirt over his jumpsuit and his long, dread-locked hair tied back, looked somberly into the audience during his brief first appearance in Essex County Superior Court.

Bryant's attorney John McMahon, from the public defender's office, entered his plea on his client's behalf.

Neither Bryant nor the family of 2-year-old Mikhy Robinson, who was fatally shot in the head inside a South Ward apartment last Friday, were present in court. Bryant is reported to be dating Mikhy's mother.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray, who sat in on Bryant's arraignment, said she couldn't comment on the case pending investigation.

A $1 million cash bond bail is continued for Bryant, who reportedly has a lengthy criminal record.

Authorities have not released details surrounding the Mikhy's death, including whether the shooting was accidental. But the boy's mother had reportedly awoken to the sound of a gunshot Friday morning and discovered Bryant holding the bleeding boy while apologizing. Bryant took the mother and the fatally wounded boy to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, where Mikhy was pronounced dead at 10:14 a.m., and left.