An Albany man has been indicted in connection with the city’s first homicide of 2024.

John Stanfield, 42, was arraigned Wednesday in Albany County Court for second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon. He pleaded not guilty.

An indictment alleges that Stanfield shot and killed Ozzie Gardner, 44, in the area of 36 Judson St. on Jan. 1, 2024. Stanfield also had an illegal loaded gun, investigators said.

Gardner and another person had been fighting, investigators said. Gardner was shot in the chest and pronounced dead at the scene.

Stanfield was sent to Albany County Jail and is due back in court on April 12.