Suspects Plead Not Guilty in Girl’s Killing : Courts: Tremayne Stevenson, 19, faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors seek to try 16-year-old suspect as an adult.

Two suspected North Hollywood gang members pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that they fatally shot a 12-year-old Pacoima girl outside the Boys & Girls Club of San Fernando Valley in Pacoima last weekend.

Tremayne Stevenson, 19, entered his plea in San Fernando Municipal Court to one count of first-degree murder with two weapons allegations. Stevenson, who is in custody without bail, faces a maximum of 30 years to life in prison if convicted, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Karen Parsons.

The second suspect, a 16-year-old, entered his plea in juvenile court in Sylmar to the same charges.

A motion has been filed to try the 16-year-old as an adult, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Dan Damon. On Feb. 17, a juvenile court judge will set a date for a hearing on that issue and also decide whether the youth will remain in custody or be released to a guardian pending trial.

Tiffany Dozier, 12, was fatally shot Jan. 9 as she waited with a crowd outside the club after a teen dance organized by parents to keep their children out of trouble and raise club funds. When rival gang members began fighting outside the club, a car drove up and someone inside the auto began shooting at the crowd, hitting the girl in the back.

The two suspects were arrested by police Monday night after they were seen driving a car fitting the description of the one used in the shooting.

Deputy Police Chief Mark A. Kroecker announced the arrests Tuesday at the club’s gym to about 300 people who had gathered there to protest the shooting and call for increased policing of the facility.

Damon said at least two witnesses have identified the 16-year-old suspect as having fired the shots.