Last month, Matthew Kinne was indicted on a capital murder charge by a Lafayette County grand jury. On Monday, Kinne officially entered his plea to the court.

The former Oxford Police officer plead not guilty during his arraignment at the Lafayette County Courthouse. Attorney Tony Farese entered the plea on his client’s behalf to Lafayette County Circuit Court Judge John A. Gregory.

Kinne is charged with the murder of Dominique Clayton, who was found dead in her home on May 19. Clayton died of gunshot wounds while she slept in her bedroom.

Members of Clayton’s family were in attendance during Monday’s proceedings, including Reggie and Carolyn Clayton.

“(Clayton’s) kids are having a tough time,” Reggie said when asked how the family is holding up. “The holidays are going to be approaching. It’s going to be the first time they’ve spent the holidays without their mom. She’s missing their football season, first day of school.”

With a capital murder charge comes the possibility of the death penalty. The Clayton family is in support of Kinne receiving the death penalty if convicted, Carolyn said.

“He needs the death penalty because he gave it to her,” Carolyn said. “I support (the death penalty) now, to the fullest.”

Lafayette County Circuit Court’s final trial term of 2019 begins Oct. 7 and runs through Oct. 25. It is unknown if Kinne’s case will be heard this year or not. Farese declined to give a comment at the conclusion of the arraignment.