SPRINGFIELD (AP) – A man accused of fatally stabbing an elderly couple, then setting their apartment on fire to cover up the crime, defiantly denied the charges in court Wednesday.

Brian Cavitt, 23, of Springfield, is charged with arson and two counts of murder in the deaths of Edelmira Miranda, 67, and Milagros Rosario, 69.

Prosecutors say Cavitt killed the couple after he forced his way into their apartment at the Carpe Diem housing complex to hide out after he robbed the Big Y supermarket Friday.

“I didn’t kill nobody,” Cavitt blurted out as the charges against him were read during his arraignment in Springfield District Court. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail.

Relatives of the couple sobbed during Cavitt’s brief court appearance. As he was led away, one person said, “I hope you die in prison.”

Assistant District Attorney Richard Morse said in court that Miranda and Rosario had multiple stab wounds. Morse also said that a pair of tan shorts and jewelry found at the scene were identified as Cavitt’s.

Cavitt pleaded not guilty Monday to armed robbery and other charges stemming from the supermarket holdup.

He is due back in court June 8.