PUNTA GORDA — A man accused of a fatal 2022 shooting is accused of encouraging his brother to ignore a subpoena to testify at trial.
Nicholas Jerome Bell, 45, had been scheduled to face trial last week.
However, Circuit Judge Lisa Porter ordered the trial continued until Oct. 22.
Authorities allege Bell shot a man who visited his Coulton Avenue home in June 2022. The man was taken to a hospital, but later died from his injuries.
Bell allegedly fled the area before law enforcement could arrive. He eventually surrendered to police in Alachua County and was extradited to Charlotte County.
Bell was initially charged with attempted homicide, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
As of Sept. 23, however, the charge of attempted homicide was replaced with a charge of aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability.
That same day, prosecutors with the State Attorney’s Office filed a motion stating Bell had made efforts to discourage a witness from coming forward.