DENVER -- A teen pleaded not guilty Monday for her part in a Lakewood traffic crash in March that killed 17-year-old Samara Stricklen and critically injured Stricklen's friend.

Police initially arrested 16-year-old Alison Bowen, who had claimed she was driving her parents' sport utility vehicle when it slammed into Stricklen.

But Bowen actually switched places with 17-year-old Nanette LaFleur after the accident, police said.

On Monday, LaFleur pleaded not guilty to nine counts including: vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, attempt to influence a public servant, possession of marijuana, underage possession of alcohol and minor driving with passenger under 21.

Although she was 16 at the time of the crash, she was charged as an adult.

The liquor store employee who allegedly sold the teens alcohol also pleaded not guilty. Van Thien Pham, 44, an employee of Alameda Square Discount Liquor, will faces charges of unlawfully providing alcohol to a minor.

Three other teens in the case were charged as minors illegally in possession of alcohol. One of the teens has pleaded guilty and was sentenced to up to two years probation.

Stricklen's friend, 20-year-old Seth Mutschler, was critically injured but recovered.

The crash occurred a half-mile away from Green Mountain High School. Stricklen was a student there but had transferred to Bear Creek High School earlier this school year.

Bowen and Lafleur were students at Green Mountain High School.