Gay Murder Suspects Plead Innocent

 *1110< AP-Gay-Attack<,0300
 Gay Murder Suspects Plead Innocent
 By ROBERT W. BLACK=
 Associated Press Writer=
           LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) _ The two men charged in the murder of gay
 college student Matthew Shepard both pleaded innocent Wednesday and
 expect to find out before the end of the year whether they could
 face the death penalty.
           Russell Arthur Henderson and Aaron James McKinney entered their
 pleas during separate hearings. Judge Jeffrey A. Donnell said he
 will set trial dates at a Dec. 10 hearing.
           Henderson and McKinney, both 21, are charged with first-degree>
 murder, aggravated robbery and kidnapping with intent to inflict
 bodily injury or to terrorize the victim.
           Shepard, beaten and robbed Oct. 7, was targeted because he was
 gay, according to testimony at an earlier court hearing. He was
 bound and tied to a wooden fencepost in the foothills outside of
 Laramie, about 50 miles west of Cheyenne. The 21-year-old
 University of Wyoming freshman died five days later.
           The attack prompted widespread outrage, a condemnation from
 President Clinton and calls for tougher hate-crime laws.
           Henderson came up with the idea of robbing Shepard, but McKinney
 was the one who struck Shepard repeatedly with the butt of a
 .357-caliber Magnum, authorities said.
           As Donnell read the charges and asked questions Wednesday, both
 politely answered ``Yes sir,'' ``No sir,'' or ``No, your honor,''
 but said nothing else.
           Donnell ordered prosecutor Cal Rerucha to declare by Dec. 31
 whether he will seek the death penalty.
           McKinney's public defenders requested a new judge. Under Wyoming
 court rules, they do not have to give a reason and the request is
 automatically granted.
           Henderson and McKinney are being held without bond.