Pretrial for Huntsville Police Officer

WAAY-31's Alex Torres-Perez brings updates on the Pretrial for Officer Darby.

For fradulent charges.

The huntsville police officer charged with murder had his pre-trial hearing today.

Officer william darby is accused of shooting and killing jeffrey parker in april 20-18 during a standoff -- where parker threatened to kill himself.

Police say darby only fired after parker refused to drop his weapon.

Waay 31's alex torres-perez joins us live from the madison county courthouse with new information regarding the actual trial and what needs to happen before it begins.

Alex?

Officer william darby's trial is set to begin may 3rd.

However -- it's still unclear where that trial will take place because they're trying to mantain social distancing.

While officer william darby did not attend his pre-trial hearing this afternoon -- his attorney - robert tuten -- did appear along with prosecutors to discuss details on the trial.

The judge says there will be a panel of 60 potential jurors.

They will be screeened and asked privately what they know about the case and their thoughts on mental health and suicide.

The prosecutors did bring up a concern regarding the police officers who want to show their support.

They asked the judge to have those officers come in plain clothing to avoid a display that could impact the jury.

The judge says she'll take it under consideration.

During the trial - everyone will be required to wear masks even if you are vaccinated.

However- those who are speaking will be asked to remove their masks.

Everyone will also be spaced out.

The judge says it will take around a week to present the case.

Once again -- that trial set to begin next month on may 3rd.

Reporting live in hsv atp waay 31 news.