Two teenagers accused of murdering a Sodus High School student appeared in court on Tuesday. 

Hunter Peck, 18, and Vaughn Gray, 19, pleaded not guilty in Wayne County Court.

“This is obviously a horrible thing. It`s a horrible accusation. The family has stayed supportive and involved. We need to review a good deal of discovery.  I need to review it not only with my client but with his family. There`s a lot of work to do,” said Vaughn Gray`s attorney, Peter Pullano.

Zack Dwello, 17, was found unresponsive with multiple stab wounds next to his car in Perkins Park in Newark on December 8. 

Officials say it remains unclear why Dwello was in Newark that night, but believe the murder was a result of a robbery.  

“First thing we have to do is conduct our own investigation. Gather as much voluntary discovery. Police reports, statements, and things like that and find out how the investigation got to a point where my client got indicted,” said Peck`s attorney, Joseph Damelio. 

Zachary Dwello`s mother was also in court, holding up a picture of her son.

“These cases are always tragic. It`s really hard to get answers from anyone about why these things happen and as a prosecutor you have to empathize with the families, said prosecutor, Mike Calarco.  Obviously you have to also keep in mind that I and my office have a job to do so we have to keep focus on that as well.” 

Gray and Peck are due back in court on May 17th.