Columbus man pleads not guilty to beating pregnant teen girlfriend to death

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A Columbus man is now behind bars after being charged with murder in connection with the killing of a pregnant teenager.

Devon Blair, 23, was arraigned Friday on nine charges in Franklin County in the death of his girlfriend, Brooke Devinney.

Blair was arrested June 16 in southwest Columbus and charged with a domestic violence incident.

When Blair was arraigned in Franklin County Municipal Court a few days later, he yelled at the judge, shouting obscenities.

I'm not guilty,” Blair shouted. “Give me a (expletive), what's wrong with you?”

On Friday, June 28, Blair was charged with nine counts, including murder, manslaughter, domestic violence and tampering with evidence.

Blair said little during the hearing, which lasted only a few minutes.

ABC 6 reviewed Blair's criminal record and discovered a history of domestic violence involving Devinney.

In December, Blair was charged with felonious assault, beating Devinney and holding a knife to his throat.

Days before Devinney died, she contacted Columbus police, letting them know that Blair had threatened to kill her.

Devinney's family was not in the courtroom during Blair's common pleas hearing, but they were present at a vigil for Brooke shortly after her death, and her mother sent a message to the justice system.

The system… they need to stop letting these repeat offenders out, because if the system can't fight for these women, what do they have, who's going to be there for them?”

Blair pleaded not guilty to the charge and is now in Franklin County Jail without bail.