Watch CBS News

Man To Stand Trial In Colorado Springs Auto Store Shootings

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - A Colorado Springs parolee has been ordered to stand trial on charges related to shootings that killed a man and injured another outside an auto parts store.

Edward Coffey, also known as Ernest Schmidt, faces 20 felony counts, including first-degree murder and kidnapping.

Prosecutors say the 47-year-old shot the men when a robbery plot went bad. A judge ruled Friday there was enough evidence to send the case to trial.

The Gazette reports Cindy Hyatt had argued there is no evidence Coffey committed a premeditated murder.

The judge also ruled that Coffey's wife, Dawn Morgan, and another woman, Frani Olivas, will stand trial on charges of being an accessory to first-degree murder. They are accused of trying to help Coffey stay on the run.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.