Man accused in murder of Long Island gas station clerk at Jericho BP pleads not guilty

JERICHO (WABC) -- A man charged with murder after a string of Long Island gas station robberies pleaded not guilty in Nassau County Court Wednesday.

Joshua Golson-Orelus is facing murder, robbery and other charges in a 17-count indictment for what prosecutors called a one-man crime spree for about seven months.

The 23-year-old allegedly targeted 11 gas stations and convenience stores dating back to December in Westbury, Hicksville, Jericho and East Meadow. He is accused of stealing a total of about $11,000.

But the worst of the incidents involved the fatal shooting of gas station clerk Hany Awad, of Levittown, during a robbery in January.

At a news conference in Mineola, Acting District Attorney Madeline Singas said Golsen-Orelus hit several of the businesses twice, that his actions were "very brazen" and that he was "terrorizing" employees.

Police found him in Utica, with relatives, several days after he allegedly robbed a Citgo gas station in June 14 in Westbury. An officer was able to track a license plate in a car he had borrowed.

Officials said they have videotaped and physical evidence, plus statements he made incriminating himself. They are also using GPS technology to prosecute this case. If convicted, Golson-Orelus could face life without parole.