NEWARK, N.J. (AP)  -- A man accused of shooting and killing his estranged wife by the YMCA pool in Montclair has pleaded not guilty.

The plea for Kenneth Duckett was entered Wednesday during his first court appearance since Monica Paul was gunned down in front of one of their children on June 26.

Duckett has been charged with murder, weapons offenses and violation of a restraining order.

The public defender for the 37-year-old asked if the suspect could skip the hearing.

The judge said Duckett would have to make the request in person. The judge also refused to prevent photographers from taking pictures of Duckett, who later appeared in an orange jail outfit.

1010 WINS Boroughs & 'Burbs: New Jersey