Suspects in shooting death of 17-year-old boy plead not guilty to murder

The two suspects arrested for the murder of 17-year-old Jaden Ramos on Sunday night were formally charged with murder, which they pleaded not guilty to on Wednesday.

Ramos was killed in a shooting at a prom afterparty in La Quinta Sunday night. He was killed a day before his 18th birthday and only a few days before was set to graduate from La Quinta High School.

The two suspects were identified as 18-year-old Elijah Alfredo Martinez of Bermuda Dunes and 18-year-old Dominick Cruz Venecia of Coachella.

Along with murder, both defendants are charged with sentence-enhancing gun use allegations

Allegedly, according to court documents, both Martinez and Venecia were armed with firearms, however, Venecia personally and intentionally discharged his firearm.

A possible motive for the slaying wasn't disclosed.

The pair will return to court on June 3 for a felony settlement conference. Each defendant is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Benoit Detention Center