A 19-year-old central Illinois man has pleaded not guilty to trying to kill an elderly man who was protecting children the man was trying to attack with a knife.
The attack happened last month at the Morton Public Library. Authorities say 75-year-old chess instructor James Vernon was injured when he fought off Dustin Brown on Oct. 13.
Dustin Brown of Morton entered the plea Monday to attempted murder and other charges. Brown's attorney says a psychiatric examination is planned.
Brown is held on $800,000 bond. He is next due in court Nov. 30. He also faces 22 counts of possessing child pornography in a separate incident.
