A trial date has been set for Calvin James Wittmer, 18, in connection with the murder of James Mischler.

Wittmer appeared in Knox Superior Court on Friday for his initial hearing, where he was formally charged and a preliminary plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf. The trial is scheduled to begin on October 15.

The court appointed Cole Kirchoff and Bryan Jewell as Wittmer’s attorneys. Chief Deputy Prosecutor Mike Steiner is representing the state. During the hearing, Steiner identified the victim as James Mischler.

Wittmer is charged in the shooting death of Mischler on July 24. Police were called to North 14th at 12:35 a.m. and learned that Wittmer had left the scene. He was later located and arrested without incident.

Wittmer remains jailed in Knox County without bond.

The court proceedings were briefly interrupted by a fire alarm at the Knox County Courthouse, leading to a 30-minute evacuation before employees and patrons were allowed back inside.