A 19-year-old Uncasville man has admitted to police that he provided the .45-caliber handgun that Darnell X. Moore allegedly used to gun down Namdi Smart on the steps of Smart's apartment on Lake Street, Norwich, on Aug. 26, 2010.

Samuel Gomez of 29 Chris Drive appeared in New London Superior Court Friday on charges of carrying a pistol without a permit and possession of a handgun without a permit. He pleaded not guilty.

In an April 27, 2011, interview with police, Gomez agreed to tell them what happened but refused to provide a written statement, according to an arrest warrant affidavit prepared by Norwich Detective James Curtis.

Gomez admitted that he had driven to Norwich with the gun - which he did not say where he got - after Moore called to say he wanted him to bring it. Police say Moore, also known as "Boo-boo," returned with the gun and shot Smart, 31, at close range after Smart stood up to him earlier in the night. Smart died of a single gunshot wound to the head.

Gomez said he remained on Spaulding Street with some other friends while Moore carried out the shooting on Lake Street. He said Moore brought the gun back to him and he gave it to another person, Jordan Edwards, with instructions to bury it. Gomez said he drove Edwards and Moore to their homes and returned to Uncasville.