Herbert Hayes, through his attorney, pleaded innocent Friday after Judge Russell Canan formally presented him with a first-degree murder charge.
A grand jury indicted Hayes, 40, on the charge Wednesday.
Hayes is suspected in the May 18, 2012, stabbing death of John Wesley Griffin at the 1200 block of North Capitol Street N.W. and has been held since his May 21, 2012 arrest.
Prosecutors had earlier charged him with second-degree murder while armed.
Hayes’ trial is scheduled to begin June 10 at 9:30 a.m. in Judge Canan’s courtroom.
