LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (AP) — A northeast Kansas man has pleaded not guilty to six charges, including felony murder, in the death of a 5-year-old girl during a police chase.

Thirty-year-old Marcas McGowan of Atchison entered the plea Thursday after waiving his preliminary hearing in Leavenworth County District Court.

However, County Attorney Todd Thompson said the case could be moved to federal court, which would make the state case moot.

Authorities allege McGowan abducted Cadence Harris in July from a home they shared with the girl’s mother in Atchison. Cadence died from a gunshot in McGowan’s car during a police chase. McGowan was shot after he allegedly pointed a gun at officers.

The Leavenworth Times reports  Thompson said a federal indictment could be handed down against McGowan within a month.