By Patrick Tepoorten

The Craig Fleming murder trial, which was scheduled to begin September 24, has been continued until February 4, 2008.

According to County Attorney Janet Reiter, the delay comes as a result of a request by Fleming's defense, which informed judge Douglas G. Swenson that a key defense witness would not be available for the September schedule.

The motion for a continuance was granted over the objections of prosecuting attorney Susan Drabek.

Fleming, 47, of Lindstrom, is on trial for the shooting death of Martin Roy Carlson, 25, of Center City and threatening two other individuals with a firearm. The incident took place in Chisago City in the early morning hours of July 22, 2006.

Fleming faces a first degree murder charge and two counts of second degree assault with a dangerous weapon. He has remained in jail on $1 million bail since the shooting.