Ex-college coach arraigned for a 2nd time on murder charge

CANTON, N.Y. (WABC) -- A former college soccer coach has pleaded not guilty to a new murder indictment that charges him with killing his ex-girlfriend's 12-year-old son in New York four years ago.

Local media report that 40-year-old Oral "Nick" Hillary of Potsdam entered the plea Monday during his arraignment in St. Lawrence County Court.

The former men's soccer coach at Clarkson University in Potsdam was indicted for a second time last month in the 2011 slaying of Garrett Phillips. Authorities say the boy had been strangled and suffocated at his home in Potsdam.

The first indictment in May was later dismissed by a county judge who criticized the district attorney for what he described as bullying and prejudicial questions of grand jury witnesses.

Hillary remains free on $150,000 bond. He maintains his innocence.