2 teens in court in girl's death in Niagara Falls

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (AP) -- Two western New York teens are due back in court in connection with the strangling death of a 5-year-old girl whose body was hidden in trash in Niagara Falls.

Sixteen-year-old John Freeman of Niagara Falls and 18-year-old Tyler Best of Buffalo are scheduled to be in Niagara Falls City Court Friday.

Freeman has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Isabella Tennant at the girl's great-grandmother's home last week. The great-grandmother considered Freeman a trusted family friend.

Best is accused of helping Freeman hide Bella's body in a garbage can a few blocks away. He took police there the next morning. He's pleaded not guilty to tampering with evidence.

Freeman's attorney couldn't be reached by phone for comment Thursday. Best will be represented by a public defender.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)