An 18-year-old Auburn man pleaded not guilty to first-degree manslaughter in Cayuga County Court Monday.

Joshua Nervina, 23 Pulaski St., who is being held at Cayuga County Jail, stabbed Anthony Agee on July 23, following an argument that had ensued between the two at a home at 19 Venice St. Agee, 25, died from a single stab that hit his internal organs.

In the hours after Agee's death, Nervina told Auburn City Police the conflict between he and Agee began over a bottle of brandy after the two men and their respective friends ran into each other on Washington Street. Arguing escalated, Nervina said, over possession of a cell phone and Nervina eventually confronted Agee with a knife and a pair of bicycle handlebars.

It was then that Nervina said Agee grabbed him by the throat with both hands and pinned him against a wall. Nervina said he couldn't get free and stabbed Agee once in the side.

The case was adjourned for 45 days.