Trial date set for Alabama officer charged in fatal shooting

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A new trial date has been set for an Alabama police officer charged with murder in a shooting.

Al.com reported Tuesday that Huntsville police Officer William Darby’s trial was set for next week, but has been moved to April 2019.

The 25-year-old Darby was cleared of wrongdoing by the police department’s review board in the April shooting death of 49-year-old Jeffrey Parker. He was later indicted on a charge of murder.

Police say Parker called authorities and said he was armed and suicidal. They say Darby arrived on scene and shot Parker when he wouldn’t drop his weapon.

The Huntsville City Council voted earlier this year to pay for Darby’s defence. Madison County Circuit Judge Donna Pate has issued a gag order in the case. Attorney Robert Tuten represents Darby.

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Information from: The Birmingham News, http://www.al.com/birminghamnews