By AP/KWGS News
Tulsa, OK – OKEMAH, Okla. (AP) An Okmulgee man charged with the shooting deaths of two Weleetka girls and the death of his girlfriend made his first court appearance wearing a bullet proof vest and under heavy security.
Three not guilty pleas were entered for 25-year-old Kevin Sweat during the hearing Tuesday in Okfuskee County District Court.
Sweat is charged with first-degree murder in the June 2008 deaths of 13-year-old Taylor Placker and 11-year-old Skyla Whitaker near Weleetka. He faces the same charge in the death earlier this year of his girlfriend Ashley Taylor.
Prosecutors have said they plan to seek the death penalty.
Sweat's only comment during the hearing was "Yes sir" when asked by Judge David Martin if he understood the charges. His attorneys said only that he is innocent until proven guilty.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.