Suspect To Represent Self in Bar Homicide Trial

HASTINGS, Minn. (AP) - A man charged in a fatal shooting outside a Burnsville bar will represent himself at his murder trial.

Shavelle Chavez-Nelson fired his public defenders just days before Monday's trial was to begin in Dakota County. Chavez-Nelson is accused of fatally shooting 23-year-old Palagor Jobi outside Nina's Grill last fall after the two argued over a woman.

Chavez-Nelson is also accused of killing University of Minnesota student Anarae Schunk, who left the bar with him that night. She was found fatally stabbed eight days later. The trial for her death will be separate.

Reports say Judge Kathryn Messerich has refused the defendant's request to postpone the first trial, so Chavez-Nelson will represent himself. The judge appointed two attorneys to serve as the defendant's advisory counsel.