Jonathan Sellers pleads not guilty to burglary charge

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- 22-year-old Jonathan Sellers of Milwaukee waived his right to a preliminary hearing and pleaded not guilty on Friday, December 6th in connection to a criminal charge he faces in connection to the Christopher Gray case.

Right now, Sellers faces one count of burglary (building or dwelling) as party to a crime. But he could face far more serious charges once the cause and manner of Gray's death is released.

Gray's mother and other relatives were in court Friday. They say they're trying to be patient -- but admit it's frustrating that two weeks after Gray's death, no one has been charged with homicide.

"The family understands the system has to take its course, we understand it's rights the criminals have and we just hope the system works and we want them to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Tory Lowe, Gray's cousin.

Sellers is one of two people charged with burglary in connection with Gray's death. Police say Gray came home the morning of November 18th to a burglary in process. He died in the struggle that ensued.

No one will face homicide charges until the medical examiner's office establishes a cause and manner of death.

"Unfortunately, we can't always know from the initial part of the case, what all is gonna be required. Rather, we have to go down the road and little-by-little discover things that need to be done," said Dr. Brian Peterson, Milwaukee Co. Chief Medical Examiner.

Peterson cannot comment on this specific case, but he says the Gray family has not been forgotten.

Milwaukee police have arrested a total of four people in connection with the burglary. Only Sellers and a 15-year-old boy have been charged.

If convicted of this felony burglary charge, Sellers faces a maximum of 12 years in prison and a maximum fine of $25,000.