NATCHEZ — A Natchez man accused of murder was arraigned before a judge Wednesday.

Larry Watkins, 19, 1400 Lafayette St., was arraigned on charges of murder and aggravated assault.

An arraignment is the formal reading of charges against a person. An arraignment also allows the opportunity for someone charged with a crime to enter a plea, however, according to documents reviewed by a Natchez Police official Wednesday afternoon, Watkins did not enter a plea.

Bond was not granted for Watkins, and a preliminary hearing has been set for Sept. 14.

Watkins allegedly confessed to murdering Benjamin Hargrave, 21, and wounding Curshala Pernell, 19, with a handgun. The incident occurred at 1:38 a.m. July 31 at 1401 Lafayette St.

Police Chief Mike Mullins said in a previous report investigators believe the murder and assault were the result of domestic disputes, but the investigation is ongoing.