Trial for Accused Gunman in St. Michael Teacher Slaying Delayed Again

Delbert Huber was wheeled into court a fifth time on what are now first degree murder charges, and for the fourth time asked the court of leniency as he tries to arrange legal representation.

The man charged in the rural Kandiyohi County murder of teacher Timothy Larson is still trying to free up money from his estate to hire a defense attorney, and again asked for a continuance in Kandiyohi County District Court Wednesday.

As a result, the trial accusing him of has been delayed a fourth time, according to the West Central Tribune.

 Kandiyohi County Attorney Jennifer Fischer and Assistant County Attorney Dain Olson again did not object to the delay, but Huber was pressured by Judge Michael J. Thompson to handle this “important” matter, the Tribune reported.

Huber was accompanied in court by his niece, Cherry DeMarais. DeMarais, who holds Huber’s power of attorney, is still working on securing a loan to hire legal counsel, the Tribune reported. She said they have a lawyer selected, but need to get the note to pay any fees.

DeMarais told the court paperwork for the had been sent for a signature to her aunt in South Dakota, who shares power of attorney for Delbert Huber. DeMarais also said that the loan was not preapproved, but that they were hopeful the bank would approve the note, the Tribune’s Gretchen Schlosser reported.

Thompson has set Huber’s next hearing for Dec. 22. He noted that the omnibus hearing date would be set at that time.

According to court records, Huber’s application for a public defender was denied because he own 96 acres of land in Stearns County with a taxable value of more than $300,000.

The other man charged in the Larson shooting, Huber’s son, Timothy, is set to appear in court on first degree charges Tuesday, and an omnibus hearing is set for Dec. 16. He is represented by public defender Carter Greiner.