Suspect in Killing of Auburn Player Due in Court

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) — Prosecutors are set to reveal some of their evidence against a man charged with killing an Auburn University football player in December.

A judge scheduled a preliminary hearing Tuesday afternoon for 22-year-old Markale Hart of Camp Hill.

The state lists 20 potential witnesses who could testify about the slaying of 18-year-old athlete Jakell Mitchell during a party in Auburn. But it’s unclear who might take the stand.

A court document says Hart admitted to fatally shooting the player.

But a defense lawyer says Mitchell was armed and began shooting during the party. He calls the killing a case of self-defense.

Mitchell was fatally wounded at the same apartments where two one-time Auburn players and a third man were shot to death during a party in 2012.