Stoker trial scheduled for July

<span style="font-weight: 400;">A trial date has finally been set for Jason Stoker.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Stoker, 34, has been charged with two counts of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, reckless homicide and first-degree murder in alleged connection to the Oct. 28 police chase that resulted in fatal injuries to Chester Police officer and volunteer firefighter James Brockmeyer.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Stoker and his attorney, public defender James Kelley, appeared in Randolph County court on May 18 for a case management conference.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">"I believe we will be ready, barring any unforeseen circumstances, for trial in July," Kelley told Circuit Court Judge Richard A. Brown.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">"The State is and has been ready for trial," Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker added.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Walker noted that he had received a motion from the defense for supplemental discovery (evidence) in the case and urged Brown to set a firm date for the trial as he has to schedule doctors from St. Louis, state police troopers and other witnesses.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Brown decided on the court's regular July trial session, which starts July 10 at 9 a.m. The parties will be back in court for another case management conference on Wednesday, June 28, at 10 a.m.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Brockmeyer, as well as immediate family members, has been honored and recognized in numerous presentations and ceremonies since the 22-year-old officer's death.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Family members of the fallen officer politely declined comment on the setting of the trial date after the hearing.</span>