Michael West/Credit: Jefferson Co Sheriff's Office

 

(KNZA)--A jury trial has been set for an Ozawkie man charged in the 2023 beating death of his father. 

According to court documents, Michael West pleaded not guilty last Thursday in Jefferson County District Court to a charge of first-degree murder. 

 A 4-day jury trial was set, beginning April 28.  

West is accused of attacking his 59-year-old father, Michael J. West, with a hammer on September 9th, 2023 at the rural Ozawkie home the two men shared.  

The senior West died two days later at a Topeka hospital after he was removed from life support.  

The younger West was found competent to stand trial last August following a mental evaluation. 

He remains held in the Jefferson County Jail on a one-million dollar bond.