Dejah Joyner, 12, of Hempstead, left, was fatally shot Friday,...

Dejah Joyner, 12, of Hempstead, left, was fatally shot Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, by a stray bullet that was fired outside her home. Jakwan Keller, 20, also of Hempstead, right, was taken into custody by Nassau and Hempstead police on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, in connection with the shooting. Credit: NCPD; Howard Schnapp; NCPD

The lawyer for a man facing a murder charge in the slaying of a 12-year-old Hempstead girl who was shot in the head in October when a bullet burst into her home said Wednesday his client told police they arrested the wrong man.

Jakwan Keller, 20, appeared briefly in a Mineola court packed with extra security as attorney Bruce Barket took over as his defense lawyer.

Relatives of victim Dejah Joyner, including her mother, were among those present, as were supporters of Keller.

Barket told a judge he wanted Keller released from jail by Friday unless a grand jury had indicted his client or a judge found probable cause for Keller’s arrest after a felony hearing in open court.

“He’s devastated by the false accusations made against him,” Barket said after court of Keller. “My understanding is one of the things he said to the police was that, ‘You’ve arrested me but don’t stop investigating because I haven’t done it. I didn’t do it.’ ”

The Nassau County district attorney’s office declined to comment Wednesday.

Dejah’s killing prompted community outrage and an extensive hunt for a suspect in her death. A portion of Dartmouth Street, the street she lived on, was renamed in her honor.

A source said Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, that a suspect...

A source said Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, that a suspect has been arrested in the fatal shooting this past October of Dejah Joyner, 12. Joyner died after she was struck in the head by a bullet fired from outside her home. Credit: NCPD

Police have said an incident involving warring factions in the Bloods street gang led to the fatal October shooting. They’ve alleged Keller fired a bullet into Dejah’s home in retaliation for someone stealing a hoverboard from his younger brother.

Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter has alleged Keller believed Dejah’s older brother stole the hoverboard and that the two are in different Bloods factions.

Barket called the victim’s death “a horrific tragedy,” but said his client was entitled to the presumption of innocence.

“We’ve all seen cases where individuals have been charged with horrific crimes, only to find out later that they’re absolutely innocent,” he added.

Nassau County police escort Jakwan Keller out of police headquarters...

Nassau County police escort Jakwan Keller out of police headquarters in Mineola today, Jan. 11, 2016 after his arrest in connection with her murder of Dejah Joyner. Credit: Howard Schnapp

The defense attorney also said there was “no relationship at all” between the victim’s family and his client, and said they didn’t know each other.

Barket said he hadn’t yet seen any evidence from the Nassau district attorney’s office, was just hired this week and would do an investigation into the case.

The lawyer’s firm already represents Keller in a federal lawsuit against Nassau County, Hempstead Village and members of both municipal police forces that alleges officers used excessive force while arresting him in 2012. In that case, charges included reckless endangerment, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.

Keller, who was led out of court as a supporter shouted out “I love you, man,” is expected to appear in court again Friday.

Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Credit: Newsday

MacArthur LIRR connection ... Pink poping up in Farmingdale ... Fitness Fix: Deer Park Athletic Club ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Credit: Newsday

MacArthur LIRR connection ... Pink poping up in Farmingdale ... Fitness Fix: Deer Park Athletic Club ... Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV

FLASH SALE

$1 FOR ONE YEAR

Unlimited Digital Access

SUBSCRIBE NOW >>Cancel anytime - new subscribers only