33-year-old Jason Custer of Sidney has pleaded not guilty to murder and weapons charges in a drug-related slaying earlier this month in Sidney.

He remains in custody on $1-million dollars bail following his arraignment yesterday in Cheyenne County District Court in Sidney, with his next hearing scheduled for January 8.

Custer is accused of fatally shooting Adam McCormick on November in what authorities believe was an argument over about $160 in drug money.

Custer fled to Big Springs, where he was arrested later that day at a motel. Two other Sidney residents faces charges for helping him leave Sidney.