3 Plead Not Guilty in Death of 5-year-old Great Falls Boy

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — The parents of a 5-year-old boy and another man have pleaded not guilty to deliberate homicide for the Nov. 20 beating death of Antonio “Tony” Renova in Great Falls.

The Great Falls Tribune reports Stephanie Grace Byington and Emilio Emmanuel Renova Sr. also pleaded not guilty to assault on a minor, child endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child.

Racso James Birdtail also pleaded not guilty to evidence tampering. All three remain jailed.

Attorney Matt McKittrick represented the defendants at Monday’s hearing, but Deputy Cascade County Attorney Kory Larson said each will eventually have their own attorney because they will probably testify against one another.

District Judge Elizabeth Best set a Dec. 9 scheduling conference.

About 200 people attended a candlelight vigil for Tony on Sunday night in Great Falls.

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Information from: Great Falls Tribune, http://www.greatfallstribune.com