Trial delayed for six charged in police officer slaying

The trial of six men charged in connection with the slaying of a Las Vegas police officer at his North Las Vegas home in November was delayed until next year.

The trial was originally set for Feb. 16 after four of the defendants invoked their right to a speedy trial.

District Judge David Wall had told prosecutors and defense attorneys to expect the delay in a previous hearing.

The trial is now set for Feb. 7, 2011.

A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 24 for motions to dismiss the case, made by defense attorneys.

Four of the defendants are charged with multiple felonies including murder with use of a deadly weapon and burglary: Saul Williams Jr., 20; Quadrae Scott, 18; Prentice Marshall, 18; and Adrian Pena, 18.

Half-brothers Emmitt Ferguson, 18, and Michael Ferguson, 25, are charged with accessory to murder and conspiracy. They are accused of trying to cover up evidence related to the slaying, investigators said.

North Las Vegas police say Marshall, Pena, Williams and Scott were in Pena's car when they saw the open garage door of officer Trevor Nettleton's North Las Vegas home. Nettleton, who had just finished his patrol shift, was in the garage.

During an attempted robbery of Nettleton, a gunbattle erupted. Nettleton was shot and killed by Marshall, police said.

Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039.