Fenner: Murder Charge ‘Mistake’

University of North Carolina running back Derrick Fenner claimed all the charges against him concerning a drug slaying are a “horrible mistake,” the Washington Post reported.

In his first interview since his June arrest, Fenner, 20, told the newspaper, “I’ve never hurt anybody in my life.”

Fenner is charged in the drug-related shooting death of a 19-year-old man May 23 in Hyattsville, Md.

Fenner, the Atlantic Coast Conference’s leading rusher last season, turned himself in to police June 2 and was released July 15 on $100,000 bond.

Fenner also faces drug and handgun charges for which he was arrested on April 9. His case is scheduled to go to trial Oct. 26 in Prince George’s County, Md., Circuit Court.

In his sophomore year at North Carolina, Fenner set a conference single-game rushing record with 328 yards against Virginia. Fenner rushed for 1,250 yards last year--fifth-best in the nation--and made the All-ACC team.

Fenner could face a maximum of two life sentences plus 47 years if convicted of all charges.