Marquis Singleton, charged with murder in the Oct. 29 stabbing death of Matthew Chew in New London, waived his right to a probable cause hearing Tuesday in New London Superior Court.

Singleton, 17, stood with his grandfather and his attorney as Judge Patrick Clifford explained he had a right to such a hearing as a defendant who faces a potential life sentence. Dressed in a green prison jumpsuit, Singleton softly answered, "Yes sir," and "No sir" to a series of questions the judge asked him to ensure that Singleton understands his rights.

Chew, 25, was assaulted and stabbed while walking home from work on Huntington Street and died a short time later at Yale-New Haven Hospital. New London police say he was attacked by a group of six teenagers, including Singleton. All six are in custody.

Besides Singleton, one other member of the group has been charged with murder. Idris Elahi, 18, told a judge Thursday that he wants a probable cause hearing, which has been slated to start Feb. 18. At the hearing, the prosecutor will call witnesses and introduce information in an attempt to convince the judge there is enough evidence to try Elahi for murder.

The other four teenagers are charged with accessory to murder. To date, Brian Rabell and Tyree Bundy, both 18, have waived their rights to probable cause hearings. Seventeen-year-olds Rahshad Perry and Matias Perry, who are not related, will likely notify the court of their intentions at upcoming court dates.

- Karen Florin