NEW YORK (AP) — A man accused of killing a 6-year-old boy and injuring a 7-year-old girl in a New York City public housing building elevator has pleaded not guilty.

Daniel St. Hubert pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of murder, attempted murder, assault and weapons possession in connection with the June 1 attack.

Prince Joshua Avitto was stabbed to death; his best friend, Mikayla Capers, left the hospital a few weeks ago.

The district attorney’s office provided a statement Wednesday that St. Hubert made to police officers shortly he was taken into custody.

The New York Times (http://nyti.ms/1lVZVJL ) says he said “Satan has powers and controls things,” and then added, “I think I need a lawyer.”

Defense lawyer Edward Friedman says he’s considering a psychiatric defense.

St. Hubert is due back in court on Aug. 8.

___

Information from: The New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.