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The St. Anthony, Minnesota police officer who fatally shot Philando Castile in July pleaded not guilty Monday to manslaughter and other charges, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Prosecutors allege that Officer Jeronimo Yanez shot Castile, 32, during a traffic stop when though Castile alerted the officer that he was armed. A jury trial is scheduled for May 30.

At a previous court hearing, Judge William Leary III rejected the defense team’s request to dismiss the case, arguing that Yanez feared for his life during the encounter.

The defense has also filed for a dismissal over autopsy results that showed Castile was under the influence of marijuana during the incident. They argue his usage contributed to his own demise.

However, the prosecution countered that a jury should decide if Castile’s alleged marijuana use caused negligence.

During the traffic stop, Castile’s girlfriend, who was in the front passenger seat, streamed the shooting live on Facebook.

Investigators said Castile had a permit to carry a weapon.

SOURCE:  Star Tribune, Associated Press

SEE ALSO:

Philando Castile Caused His Death, Cop Lawyers Claim

Officer In Philando Castile Fatal Shooting Charged With Second-Degree Manslaughter

Cop Who Killed Philando Castile Pleads Not Guilty  was originally published on newsone.com