Waterbury homicide suspect Samuel Niyonsenga appears in court on accessory charge

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A Massachusetts teen charged as an accessory to a deadly shooting in Vermont made a court appearance Wednesday following his arrest.

Samuel Niyonsenga of Springfield appeared via teleconference at the Washington Criminal Division in Barre, where he pleaded not guilty via his lawyer to a charge of accessory to second-degree murder in the death of Shawn Spiker.

Niyonsenga is accused of aiding the alleged shooter, 20-year-old Fabrice Rumama, also of Springfield, back on Oct. 14. Spiker was found dead at the Kneeland Flats Trailer Park in Waterbury, and an autopsy determined that he died of multiple gunshot wounds.

Wednesday, Niyonsenga's arraignment was delayed for more than an hour before a defense attorney could be found to represent him. The defense attorney pleaded that Niyonsenga was not guilty.

“During the proceedings, Mr. Niyonsenga formally entered a plea of not guilty, adhering to the 24-hour rule and other related regulations," defense attorney said.

State Attorney Michelle Donnelly argued that Niyonsenga was in the car and drove away from the scene with the accused shooter, 20-year-old Fabrice Rumama.

"The crime of aiding in the commission of a felony; the defendant is eligible to be punished as would the principal of that crime,” Donnelly said.

A judge in the case ordered Niyonsenga to be held without bail. He was also ordered not to have any contact with Rumama, who previously pleaded not guilty and is being held until a weight of the evidence hearing can be scheduled.