By Joe Bachman

Tuesday morning a judge ruled that the initial charge of first degree intentional homicide will move forward in regards to a December shooting at a Wisconsin Rapids tavern.

Diondrell Hale, of Wisconsin Rapids, was charged with first degree intentional homicide and first degree reckless injury in December of 2015 after police say he shot a 21-year-old man inside of a tavern on the 100 block of 2nd St. North in Wisconsin Rapids.

According to security footage, Hale identified the victim and pointed a gun at his face. A struggle ensued and both men wrestled each other to the ground, where a shot rang out soon after. Hale allegedly got up and left the tavern with the gun still in his possession.

According to reports, the victim also got up and walked to a nearby tavern where police found him. He lifted up his shirt after the incident to reveal a bullet wound in his back near the waistline, and could not feel his right leg.

The 21-year-old would later identify Hale as the shooter. According to his lawyer, Eric Sheets, Hale was threatened by a firearm earlier that night by the victim, and Hale’s response was only in retaliation with no intention to cause harm.

Hale plead not guilty to the charges and will be in court again on Jul. 29 for a pre-trial conference.