Murder Suspect Seeks Trial Delay

Attorneys cite unresolved issues ahead of March court date.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Daniel Brejio, charged in a 2023 Christmas Eve shooting death, is asking for his trial to be delayed. Brejio's lawyers have submitted a motion to suppress much of the prosecution's evidence, and BEK Communications has petitioned the state Supreme Court to block the use of interview footage from an unaired documentary, citing First Amendment and journalism shield laws.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant local attention, and the outcome could set precedents around the admissibility of certain types of evidence and the rights of journalists to protect their sources. The trial delay request suggests the legal proceedings are becoming increasingly complex.

The details

Brejio's attorneys say there are a number of unresolved questions that put the March 16th start date for the 10-day trial in question. They have submitted a motion to suppress a substantial portion of the evidence submitted by the prosecution. Additionally, BEK Communications, a local media outlet, has petitioned the state Supreme Court to prohibit the use of interview footage from an unaired documentary, citing First Amendment protections and journalism shield laws.

  • The trial is currently scheduled to begin with jury selection on March 16, 2026.
  • The trial is expected to last 10 days.

The players

Daniel Brejio

The man charged in a 2023 Christmas Eve shooting death.

BEK Communications

A local media outlet that has petitioned the state Supreme Court to block the use of interview footage from an unaired documentary in the trial.

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What they’re saying

“There are a number of unresolved questions that put the March start date in question.”

— Daniel Brejio's attorneys (dakotanewsnetwork.com)

What’s next

The state Supreme Court will rule on BEK Communications' petition to prohibit the use of the unaired documentary footage before the trial begins.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal issues that can arise in high-profile criminal trials, including the balance between prosecutors' access to evidence and journalists' rights to protect their sources and unpublished material.