Former Rocky Ford Cop's Murder Trial Delayed Until June

LA JUNTA, Colo. (AP) — The trial of a former Rocky Ford police officer accused of shooting and killing a man he followed into his home is being delayed until June.

James Ashby had been set to go on trial for second-degree murder in the death of 27-year-old Jack Jacquez on Monday in La Junta. But this week his lawyers asked a judge for more time to motions on evidence and other issues in the case.

Prosecutors didn't object and a judge ruled Wednesday that the trial would be delayed until June 7.

Ashby told investigators he thought Jacquez was a burglar, but officials say the former officer had no reason to believe Jacquez was committing a crime.

His lawyers have sought to restrict evidence they think could tarnish jurors' views of Ashby.

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