Pre-trial hearings next week; Farnsworth murder case sentencing June 5

The Perry County State's Attorney's office will have pre-trial meetings with attorneys and the judge next Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, before establishing the upcoming trial document.

The major item on the court's schedule in the near future is the June 5 sentencing of Coulterville murder defendant William Farnsworth.

A judge found the Coulterville man guilty of second degree murder earlier this month during a stipulated bench trial. William Farnsworth also agreed to plead guilty to a DUI charge.

Police arrested Farnsworth in November 2014 after he gunned down a man inside his car in Coulterville.

Prosecutors say as part of a deal with the defense they'll only seek a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison. A judge can still overturn that agreement.