N. Bay Shore man denies killing ex-gf and her child

RIVERHEAD, N.Y.

24-year-old Jerry Lewis of North Bay Shore entered not guilty pleas Tuesday in Suffolk County Court in Riverhead.

Lewis is accused of repeatedly stabbing 21-year-old Shakeela Planter last December in the woman's North Bay Shore apartment. The woman's 2-year-old son Jaiden, was found beaten to death. A prosecutor says several "severe bite marks" were found on the boy's body.

After the killings, Lewis fled to Maryland, where his mother lives. He later surrendered to police and was sent back to New York.

Defense attorney Craig McElwee said he would investigate whether any psychological issues were involved.

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