CASSVILLE, Mo. (AP) - The two southwest Missouri men charged in the rape and murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford have pleaded not guilty.

During a brief court appearance in Barry County today, Rowan's stepfather David Spears and his friend Chris Collings pleaded not guilty to one count each of first-degree murder, forcible rape and statutory rape.

Court records say Barry County Associate Circuit Judge Victor Head read the charges and both men pleaded not guilty. The defendants spoke quietly and could not be heard by many in the courtroom.

When asked to clarify the proceedings, Barry County prosecutor Johnnie Cox told reporters the men did not enter formal pleas. The prosecutor declined to comment on the differing accounts.

Spears looked downward during most of the hearing while Rowan's other, Colleen Spears, sat in the front row of the gallery flanked by several friends and family members. She did not speak.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)