NASHVILLE (AP) — The trial date for a white Nashville police officer charged with fatally shooting an armed black man from behind during a chase has been pushed back from March to June.
Andrew Delke's trial was originally set for next month, but prosecutors requested a continuance after they hired a new expert witness who had a scheduling conflict, according to a court filing obtained by news outlets. The 25-year-old's defense team didn't object, the records show.
The trial will now begin June 22, according to the order.
Delke has pleaded not guilty to charges he shot and killed Daniel Hambrick from behind as Hambrick ran from officers during a foot chase in July 2018. Delke's attorney has said the officer acted in line with his training and Tennessee law in response to "an armed suspect who ignored repeated orders to drop his gun." District Attorney General Glenn Funk has argued Delke had other alternatives, adding the officer could have stopped, sought cover and called for help.
The case sparked an outcry that eventually led to the creation of a citizen oversight board for Nashville's police force.