Kenneth Jernigan, 36, pleaded not guilty to the murder of his brother, telling police he accidentally stabbed him when trying to give him a hug while the pair were cooking

A Georgia triplet accused of killing one of his brothers says the death came as the result of a tragic accident as he tried to hug his sibling.

Kenneth Jernigan, 36, made his first court appearance Thursday after telling police he accidentally killed his brother, Kevin Jernigan.

Kevin was found dead at the triplets’ home in the 2700 block of King Street, Columbus, on August 27.

Jernigan was charged with murder and possession of a knife during the commission of a crime shortly afterwards, but later pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In court Thursday, Columbus Police Department homicide detective Matt Sitler says Kenneth Jernigan told officers they were in the kitchen making food when he went to hug Kevin, but instead stabbed him in the chest.

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In court Thursday, Columbus Police Department homicide detective Matt Sitler says Kenneth Jernigan told officers they were in the kitchen making food when he went to hug Kevin (above), but instead stabbed him in the chest

Kevin Jernigan was found dead at the triplets’ home in the 2700 block of King Street (above) on August 27

However, Police say the evidence doesn't support Kenneth Jernigan's story but they are awaiting the results of an autopsy to further investigate.

Sitler declined to answer the public defender when questioned what the accused’s motive may have been.

So far it appears Kevin Jernigan suffered only one stab wound during the incident.

The third brother, Keith Jernigan, was present at the home during the stabbing but testified that he didn't witness the fatal incident.

Judge Julius Hunter could not set a bond due to the nature of the charge. In the meantime Jernigan has been placed on suicide watch by authorities (an emotional Kenneth shown crying in court above)

The third brother, Keith Jernigan, was present at the home during the stabbing but testified that he didn't witness it

Footage courtesy of WMTV

Keith’s testimony was made in between cries, with the bereaved brother breaking down several times in a gut wrenching scene.

‘I love you, you hear me?,’ Keith said to Kenneth at the closing of his statement.

Judge Julius Hunter could not set a bond due to the nature of the charge. In the meantime Jernigan has been placed on suicide watch by authorities.

Jernigan’s case was bound over to Superior Court where he could potentially receive bond.