ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Dhymer Bailey, 19, pleaded not guilty on Saturday morning to charges of murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the shooting of Sandra Blanding, 39, on Spencer Street Wednesday.

The family is pleased he’s behind bars and says it’s the first step to justice.

Sandra’s mother, Agnes Blanding said, “I’m happy that they found who did this. I’m happy that he got no bail and he needs to think about what he has done. Because you ruined a whole lotta lives, a whole lotta of them.”

He was not given bail and his preliminary hearing is March 27 at 2 p.m.

After the arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Kevin Sunderland said, “It’s just said. Inexcusable, but just sad.”

Police said the arrest of Dhymere Bailey was a result of an investigation conducted by the Major Crimes Homicide Detectives. Police said Homicide Detectives enlisted the assistance of Rochester Police’s Tactical Unit and SWAT team to locate Bailey.

At 11 a.m. Friday, police said Bailey was seen in the area of Mount Hope Avenue in Rochester. They also said he attempted to flee from officers but was quickly apprehended and was armed with a 9mm handgun.

It is believed that the handgun Bailey was found with at the time of the arrest was the same gun used to shoot and kill Blanding, according to Police.

Police said motives will not be discussed at this time, but based on investigations so far they believe Bailey and Blanding did not know each other prior to the shooting.

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