Barshaw Murder Trial Underway in Stearns County

ST. CLOUD -- The murder trial of a Walker man accused of shooting and killing a Rockville man in 2012 is underway in Stearns County District Court.

30-year-old Marcus Barshaw is charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the shooting death of Jeffrey Schutz.

Barshaw declined a trial by jury and will have Judge Frederick Grunke decide the case.

The first witnesses to take the stand include two sheriff's deputies who responded to the scene that October morning and Schutz' wife Mandy. Mandy Schutz testified about her relationship with Barshaw which involved drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and sex.

Mandy Schutz went to pick up Barshaw in Walker late October 20th and returned to Rockville early the next morning. Schutz says she went to get Barshaw because he told her that he was upset, owed people money and needed to leave Walker. Schutz brought Barshaw back to her family's home and put him in the family camper in their backyard. That's when Jeff Schutz confronted Barshaw.

Barshaw is accused of pointing a gun at Schutz and chasing him down and shooting him six times in the alley behind the Schutz' home.

Barshaw was later found hiding in an apartment building laundry room. He was shot by deputies three times after he allegedly raised his gun toward officers.

Schutz died at the scene. Barshaw recovered from his injuries and faces life in prison if convicted.