Man Accused in Trooper Assault Will Have Separate Trial
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A Washington state man accused of trying to kill a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper will have his case handled separately from his three co-defendants.
Thirty-four-year-old Donald Willingham of Renton, Washington, is accused in the Oct. 24, 2015, beating of Trooper Zachary Bader during a traffic stop on Interstate 90 east of Rapid City.
Willingham's defense earlier this year asked for a separate trial, maintaining that the co-defendants have made incriminating statements about Willingham. Defense lawyers also want the ability to cross-examine the co-defendants at trial.
Prosecutors didn't object, and a judge on Tuesday granted the request.
Willingham has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, aggravated assault, and drug and weapons charges. His defense is seeking to suppress statements Willingham made to police. The judge will rule later.
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