The two suspects accused of killing 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton pleaded not guilty Thursday to dozens of counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder and other charges.

Michael Ward, 18, the alleged shooter, was indicted on 141 counts of first-degree murder alone, prompting his attorney to blast Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez.

“I want to ask (Alvarez):’Why are you doing this?’” said Jeff Granich, Ward’s lawyer. “It’s ridiculous and stupid. It’s an extremely cheap way of getting attention. It’s a waste of paper.”

From left: Suspect Michael Ward, victim Hadiya Pendelton, and suspect Kenneth Williams.

“It’s a stunt,” he said.

Kenneth Williams, 20, the alleged getaway driver, was charged with 17 counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Both Ward and Williams were also charged with two counts of aggravated battery, 10 counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm and one count of mob action.

Prosecutors say they shot and killed Pendleton while she was standing with friends in Kenwood Park on January 29th.

She was not the intended target. Two other teens were hurt.

The suspects have been held without bail since their arrests.

The Chicago Tribune contributed to this report.

The suspects in the shooting death of Hadiya Pendleton are due in court Friday for a preliminary hearing.

Michael Ward and Kenneth Williams have been held without bond since their arrest on first degree murder charges.

Pendleton was shot in the back January 29th, in what prosecutors think may have been a gang retaliation.

Pendleton was not in a gang, and Ward said she was not the intended target.

The 15-year old had taken shelter from the rain a few blocks from King College Prep while relaxing with friends after final exams.

Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk wants to name a gun control bill after 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, the Chicago teen shot and killed in a South Side park.

Kirk met with Illinois families Wednesday who have lost loved ones to gun violence.

He asked Pendleton’s mother if he could rename the gun control bill after Hadiya.

A spokesperson for Kirk’s office says the teen’s parents were “receptive” to the idea and will work with the senator on the legislation.

The bill would make gun trafficking a federal crime.

With the parents of murdered Chicago teenager Hadiya Pendleton in attendance last night, President Obama called on lawmakers to give  the Pendletons and other victims of violence a vote on gun control.

Cleo and Nate Pendleton, parents of Hadiya Pendleton, joined CNN for an interview.

Cleo and Nate Pendleton were First Lady Michelle Obama’s guests at the State of the Union address.

“It meant the world,” Cleo Pendleton said in a CNN interview this morning.  “It was quite an honor.”

It is an honor the Pendletons have paid dearly to receive. They have become the focus of attention in the debate over gun violence only because their 15-year old daughter was gunned down by gang members who wrongly thought they were aiming at a rival gang.

Even so, Nate and Cleo Pendelton support the second Amendment.

“I believe that there is a right to bear arms,” Cleo Pendleton said this morning.  “But as far as putting weapons on the street that could hinder the performance of police officers and law enforcement officials trying to protect people, those weapons should not be readily available to anyone.”

Hadiya Pendleton’s death gained national prominence and focused the spotlight on the issue of gun violence in America. First Lady Michele Obama traveled to Chicago to attend her funeral services, demonstrating the special nature of this case.

Nate Pendleton is concerned that assault weapons are sold not only to the military but also to the public.

“I know we need assault weapons because we have an army.  But how are they getting on our streets? That’s what I would like to know,” he said this morning.  “Why can’t we just stop them from being sold in regular stores?

Bond was denied today for two reputed gang members accused of shooting 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton.

Defendants 18-year-old Micheail Ward and 20-year-old Kenneth Williams stood silent in court as prosecutors gave their account of the shooting that wounded two young men and killed fellow King College Prep student Hadiya.

A nearly three year old gang war and mistaken identity were the reasons given today in court over the shooting .

“She was just there” Ward told police after they arrested him and Williams.

Police  say Ward confessed to the shooting on videotape, telling them that he and Williams spotted a group of kids at Harsh Playlot on Oakenwald St in rival gang territory.  They circled back, and while Williams waited in the car, ward got out and snuck up on the group, firing six shots.  Two others were hit in the ankle and foot.  Pendelton was shot in the back and died.

Prosecutors say Ward admitted the shooting was retaliation for his friend being killed by a rival gang.