Man makes plea in homicide case

PEORIA, Ill. – A man charged in connection with a shooting death has pleaded not guilty.

John Nichols III, 26, made the plea during an arraignment hearing Thursday, according to court records, on a charge of Possession of a Weapon by a Felon.

Nichols was initially arrested on First-Degree Murder and other counts, but so far, prosecutors have only officially filed the weapons count.

Nichols allegedly shot Robert Sims, Jr. 37, inside a home near Wiswall and Madison Park Terrage in South Peoria April 26. Sims was pronounced dead at the scene.

Nichols allegedly claimed self-defense.

Prosecutors initially said they were weighing additional charges.

A trial on the weapons charge could begin as soon as August 22.