updated 2:22 p.m. ET Dec. 20, 2007

MIAMI - Four suspects accused in the killing of Redskins Pro Bowl safety Sean Taylor have filed written not guilty pleas to first-degree felony murder and armed burglary charges.

The filing of a written plea usually means defendants do not appear in person at an arraignment, said Ed Griffith, spokesman for State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. The arraignment hearing in the case is set for Friday.

The four suspects from the Fort Myers area are charged with breaking into Taylor’s Miami home Nov. 26 and shooting him during a confrontation in his bedroom. Taylor, who grew up in this area and played at the University of Miami before being drafted by the Redskins, died the next day at age 24.

Jailed without bond in the case are Eric Rivera Jr., 17; Charles Wardlow, 18; Jason Mitchell, 19; and Venjah Hunte, 20. Their written not guilty pleas were filed last week, according to court records.

At least two of the defendants have confessed to taking part in the attempted burglary and a grand jury indictment identified Rivera as the one who shot Taylor.

Taylor, an All-American at Miami, was selected posthumously on Tuesday to the 2008 Pro Bowl, recognizing him as the NFC’s top free safety in balloting by coaches, players and fans.

Taylor was at home in Miami instead of with the Redskins the night of the burglary because he was nursing a knee injury.

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