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Trial dates set for murder suspect
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Trial dates are set for the man accused of gunning down a popular coach last November.

Herman James Seppenfield VII, 50, has been in Dawson County Sheriff's custody since his arrest on Dec. 6.

He is charged with felony murder, malice murder, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony crime.

The charges stem from a Nov. 22 fight on Whitney Place off Dawson Forest Road in southeastern Dawson County that ended in gunfire.

Brandon Weaver, 37, of Dawsonville was hit twice at close range, once in the chest and once in the side.

He died on the scene, a short time after first responders arrived at the home.

Authorities say Seppenfield fired the deadly shots.

Tory Jude Miguez, 25, was also arrested in connection with the case.

Miguez, who is charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony crime against another person and two counts of aggravated assault, "contends that he was justified in using force against Alan Brandon Weaver," according to motions filed by his attorney.

The motion seeks immunity from the aggravated assault charges against him, citing Georgia law that states "a person who uses threats or force against another under circumstances in which he is justified...shall be immune from prosecution."

The fight reportedly started when Weaver and another man arrived at the Whitney Place home to confront the people living there.

Authorities said Weaver's son had been at a birthday party at the home several hours earlier that evening and had called home to say he wanted to leave.

According to Dawson County Sheriff's Capt. Tony Wooten, the child felt uncomfortable about something going on at the party.

The confrontation escalated and shots were fired, according to officials.

Both defendants have entered not guilty pleas and are set to be in court June for calendar call.

Their trials are scheduled for the weeks of April 10 and Sept. 14, according to court records.

Miguez was released on $35,000 bond Feb. 2.

Seppenfield's bond has been set at $250,000.