PORTSMOUTH, Va. - A Portsmouth judge denied a request Tuesday to delay the trial of former Portsmouth Police Officer Stephen Rankin.
Rankin shot and killed 18-year-old William Chapman in a confrontation at a Walmart parking lot on April 22, 2015.
His attorneys entered a motion to delay the trial because Rankin believes that the recent police shootings nationwide could impact the case.
The judge denied the request and the case will move forward as scheduled.
Rankin is charged with first degree murder. His attorneys have said they definitely plan to use a self-defense argument.
His trial is scheduled to begin on July 27.
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