Rocky Ford Cop Will Stand Trial For Murder In Jacquez Case

ROCKY FORD, Colo. (CBS4) - A police officer accused of murdering a Rocky Ford man will stand trial, a judge ruled Thursday.

James Ashby, 41, is accused of second-degree murder for killing Jack Jacquez, 27.

KKTV reported Thursday that a witness testified Ashby may have fired his weapon in self-defense. Kyle Moore, a student on a ride-along with Ashby when the shooting happened, said he heard Ashby yell "drop the bat" at Jacquez seconds before two shots were fired.

But members of Jacquez's family, who also witnessed the shooting, said the victim was holding a skateboard.

MORE: James Ashby Coverage From KKTV.com

Moore also testified that he and Ashby noticed Jacquez skateboarding along Highway 50. He said Ashby asked him what he was doing and Jacquez replied that he was going home.

According to KKTV, Ashby and Jacquez were acquainted, as the victim had babysat the suspect's girlfriend's children before the shooting.

The coroner's office confirmed on Thursday that Jacquez was shot in the back.

The trial begins in February.