By AP/KWMU
St. Louis – A 13-year-old St. Louis County boy has pleaded not guilty in the abduction and sexual assault of a 6-year-old girl.
Sherman Burnett of Spanish Lake was certified to stand trial as an adult. He entered the not guilty plea Thursday during arraignment in St. Louis County Court.
Investigators say in November, Burnett took the victim to a secluded area, where he punched, kicked and stomped her before sexually assaulting her.
A police officer found the girl, barely alive, the next morning.
If convicted, Burnett could face up to life in prison.