Two teens accused in the shooting of a 24-year-old man in St. Johnsbury earlier this week pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Caledonia County Superior Court.

Arthur Butler, 17, of Topsham and 18-year-old John Emerson III of Newbury turned themselves into police Tuesday, hours after police say Butler shot Brandon Delude twice in the back.

Delude is in fair condition at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.

At Wednesday’s hearing, Butler’s attorney, Daniel Sedon, said it’s unclear whether he will be charged as a juvenile or adult.

Sedon said Butler spent Tuesday night at Southern State Correctional Facility, but should have been transferred to Woodside Juvenile Facility. 

“Wholly unnecessary, frankly, for someone who did turn himself into authorities, has cooperated and is attempting to cooperate,” Sedon said.

Police say fight broke out at 63 Elm Street when Emerson brought a gun inside the residence and pointed it at DeLude’s girlfriend.

Butler shot Delude before fleeing with Emerson, police said, then stopped at a Newbury home to pick up as many as 6 additional firearms.

Emerson is being charged as an accessory. He was released into the custody of his father.

Butler is being held at the Woodside facility on $100,000 bail.