DERIDDER, La. -- A 23-year-old DeRidder man accused of sexually assaulting a toddler who later died from her injuries has pleaded not guilty.

Clarence Taylor was indicted by a grand jury last month on a charge of second-degree murder.

Taylor is accused of assaulting 23-month-old Alyssa Adams in October. The girl later died as a result of her injuries in a Lake Charles hospital.

Taylor is also charged with two counts of second-degree sexual battery.

On Tuesday, he pleaded not guilty to each charge before state District Judge Martha Ann O'Neal.

Taylor's trial has been slated Aug. 17.

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