COMPTON (CBSLA.com) — A reputed gang member has pleaded not guilty to murder charges stemming from the shooting of a Compton youth pastor last year.

As KNX 1070′s Margaret Carrero reports, 23-year-old Oscar Duncan was killed after being shot once in the head on June 4, 2012.

Duncan was standing with his girlfriend in front of his mom’s Venice home when investigators say three men drove up and hurled insults at his girlfriend. When Duncan asked them to stop, police say one of the men fired a fatal shot.

The suspected shooter, 23-year-old Hopeton Parsley, entered his plea Friday.

Jane Robison, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, says Parsley faces a minimum of 50 years to life in prison if convicted.

Parsley is due back in court later this month. Two other men also face charges.

Police said Duncan was not a gang member and had no criminal record. He served as a youth pastor at Greater Zion Church in Compton.

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