The Colorado Springs man arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in the parking lot of a Pop Warner Youth Football game in October will take his case to trial early next year.

Antivius Crowder, 32, faces charges related to the death of 29-year-old Donte Rice, who was allegedly shot and killed on Oct. 5 after a verbal argument between the pair escalated. At the time, police said the homicide was not connected to the football game, which was taking place at Atlas Prep, in the 1600 block of South Murray Boulevard.

Crowder pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder Wednesday, and is now expected to face an El Paso County jury in January.

Crowder's defense counsel and the prosecution disagree over the anticipated length of trial. Defense attorney Jamie Jones told the court she believes t

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