ALLISON - Two young men accused of murder pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Butler County District Court.

Kevin Tupper, 19, and Shannon Hammons, 18, of Dumont, are charged with first-degree murder for the January death of Brandon Ayers, 21. Tupper and Hammons also pleaded innocent to intimidation with a dangerous weapon.

Tupper also pleaded innocent to attempted murder. Hammons pleaded innocent to willful injury. Both charges are felonies.

The charges stem from an incident at a mobile home in Dumont were Hammons lived with his girlfriend, Heather Schoenwolf. Court documents allege Hammons and Tupper shot a rifle at a vehicle driving by the residence, smashing the car window. Ayers and another occupant were inside.

After the shooting, an altercation developed pitting Tupper and Hammons against Ayers and his friend, Derik Evans. Ayers died.

Trial is scheduled for May 23. Tupper and Hammons face life in prison.