FARGO — A judge has set a trial date for a Fargo man accused of murdering his childhood friend.

Thirty-five-year-old Leo Dartoe will go to trial in February.

He is accused of shooting 35-year-old Sampson Bleh multiple times last year inside a south Fargo apartment.

Investigators claim Bleh had punched Dartoe the day before.

Dartoe's trial has been delayed twice.

He originally demanded a speedy trial but has gone through several lawyers because of disagreements about case strategy.

"You are willing to waive your request for a speedy trial in that file, is that correct?" asked District Court Judge Constance Cleveland.

"Yes, your honor," Dartoe replied.

If convicted, Dartoe could spend the rest of his life in prison.

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