JASPER, Texas — A Jasper man appeared in court Tuesday for the alleged murder of his girlfriend.

Kristopher Drayton , 24, is accused of shooting 19-year-old Keniyah Williams during an argument. Drayton was arraigned before First District Court Judge Craig Mixson.

In an arraignment hearing Tuesday, Drayton pled not guilty to a murder charge related to Williams’ death.

"I'm getting a headstone and everything made, she's not gonna ever come back," said Ashley Lacey, Williams’ mother.

Lacey said her daughter, a college student and mother of two, was pursuing a criminal justice degree at Angelina College.

"Well, it's been rough, of course, because Uh, you know, I got the boys and stuff," Lacey said.

She described Williams as someone who had a desire to help seek justice and be a voice fo

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