BUFFALO, N.Y. — Jeremy Wright, 30, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and weapons possession charges during his arraignment Monday in Erie County court.

The Erie County District Attorney's Office says he shot and killed 37-year-old Saleem Merukeb outside an Allentown bar earlier this month. Prosecutors say the two men fought inside the bar first, which then continued outside, prompting Wright to go to his car, get his gun and allegedly shoot Merukeb. 

The judge in the case did not set bail and Wright was sent back to the Erie County Holding Center. D.A. John Flynn says while the incident was tragic, it was not a random act of violence. 

"Absolutely tragic, it's uncalled for. This was a situation where these two individuals knew one another, they had an acquaintance. This was not a situation where an individual was coming into the Allentown area to cause trouble, coming into the bar, scaring the patrons, at all," said Flynn. “There is absolutely no crime problem at all in the Allentown area here. There is no reason why anyone should feel concerned about coming down to Allentown to enjoy the holiday season.”

Wright's defense attorney says he's curious to see what proof the state actually has, as his client strongly denies the allegations. The case is due back in court for a pre-trial conference on December 13.