Not Guilty Plea in Johnson City Arson/Murder

The man accused of setting fire to a Floral Avenue apartment house in October, killing two young boys says he is not guilty of arson and murder.

38 year old Dwight Burton of Johnson City appeared in Broome county Court and pleaded not guilty to five counts of murder, arson, attempted murder, two counts of assault and aggravated criminal contempt.

3 and 4 year old brothers died in the early morning fire on October 19 in Johnson City.

The mother of the boys, 27 ear old Erica Lynn, and her friend, 28 year old Jessica Baxter were seriously burned.

Lynn was recently released from Syracuse Upstate University Hospital while Baxter was reportedly still hospitalized, but in fair condition.

Police had said that Burton had intentionally set the fire in an attempt to kill Baxter, who was a former girlfriend.

The court has issued orders of protection against Burton for Lynn and Baxter.