Markale Hart, the man accused of shooting and killing former football player Jakell Mitchell, plead not guilty to murder in a written waiver of arraignment Thursday, Nov. 12.
Hart was indicted for murder Oct. 23.
Mitchell was shot and killed at a party at Tiger Lodge on Dec. 14, 2014. According to Jerry Blevins, Hart's attorney, Mitchell got in an argument with Hart's cousin, Tyrone Rowe. Blevins said he did not know the reason they were arguing.
Blevins said the men went outside to the parking lot, where the argument continued. There, he said, Mitchell pulled a gun.
"Mr. Mitchell fired numerous shots," Blevins said.
Blevins said witnesses will say Hart shot Mitchell in self-defense.
"We thought the evidence was going to be clear that Mr. Mitchell's death was caused in self-defense," Blevins said.
A trial date has not been set, but it could be up to a year from now, according to Jessica Ventieri, assistant district attorney.
"He has plead not guilty, which that implies he will want a trial, but sometimes that changes," Ventieri said.
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