UPDATE: Apple Valley Man Charged with Manslaughter to Contest Evidence Against Him

The Apple Valley man charged with manslaughter after he allegedly pointed a loaded handgun that he thought was empty at his friend’s head and pulled the trigger waived his right to a speedy trial in a Dakota County courtroom Monday morning.

The attorney for Derrick Wallace Dahl, 22, instead made a motion for a contested omnibus hearing on March 23, which was granted by District Court Judge Tim Wermager. 

Dahl was charged with manslaughter in July after he and friends allegedly were "playing around" with empty guns and he pointed a loaded .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun—which he told police he thought was empty—at his friend’s head while at a home in Burnsville. 

"A speedy trial is the last thing we need," Dahl's attorney told Wermager while explaining the complexities of the case.  

An omnibus hearing becomes contested when a defendant claims that there is not enough probable cause to bring the case against him to trial.

Police officers can be called to testify regarding the evidence against the defendant and any statements made at the time of arrest.

The defendant may also change his plea during a contested omnibus hearing. 

Wermager told the court he would reserve judgment as to whether he thought enough probable cause exists to warrant a trial for Dahl. 

Wermager did, however, schedule a jury trial for June 11 in the event one becomes necessary.