NATCHEZ — One appeared in what could have passed for a school uniform, while the other stood before the court in jailhouse scrubs.

But despite their differences in appearance, the two Natchez teenagers accused of robbing and fatally shooting a 16-year-old acquaintance both pleaded “not guilty” to the charges against them Thursday.

Emanuel Latham, 15, and Eddie Minor III, 18, made their initial court appearances in Adams County Circuit Court since their grand jury indictments Thursday morning. While Latham has been free on a $90,000 bond, Minor has remained behind bars since his arrest.

The two face charges of armed robbery and murder in connection with what police have characterized as a drug deal turned robbery turned murder in the death of Jessie E. Taylor Jr., 16, in the area of Beaumont Street Dec. 28.

Latham appeared in court wearing a white polo and khakis, rocking side to side on his heels silently as Circuit Judge Forrest “Al” Johnson read the indictment against him before Latham’s attorney entered his plea on his behalf.

Johnson allowed Latham to remain free on his $90,000 bond.

Minor came to court in the green jail uniform and orange boat shoes county prisoners wear. Like his co-defendant, he was silent as the indictment was read against him.

After the plea was entered, Minor’s legal counsel asked if his $90,000 bond could be reduced, saying Minor did not represent a flight risk and had been in jail since late December, making the bond was “purely punitive” at this time.

Assistant District Attorney Tim Cotton said at this point in the case the state would like for a formal bond reduction motion to be filed. Johnson said he would take what the attorney had said under advisement but would wait for the motion to be filed before making a final decision.